Amid reports that Qatar has gifted a luxury Boeing 747-8 to the United States, former President Donald Trump defended the decision to accept the aircraft, citing significant cost savings and national interest.

Trump clarified that the aircraft is being temporarily assigned to the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense—not to him personally—until delayed new Boeing planes, intended to serve as Air Force One, are delivered. The value of the gifted aircraft is estimated at $400 million.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our government as a temporary Air Force One until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive.”

“Why should our military—and therefore our taxpayers—be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can receive this aircraft for free from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done? These savings will instead be used to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a fool would not accept this gift on behalf of our country.”

In another post, Trump criticized Democratic leaders for objecting to the transaction:

“So, the fact that the Defense Department is getting a gift—free of charge—of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay top dollar for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Monday that legal procedures related to the aircraft's acceptance are being finalized. She emphasized that any donation to the U.S. government must comply fully with legal requirements.

“Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” Leavitt said, according to CNN.

The gift from Qatar's royal family marks a rare and controversial gesture in international diplomacy, drawing both praise for fiscal prudence and criticism over potential ethical and political implications.