Qatar Gifts Costly Boeing 747 Jet to Trump Amid Disposal Efforts

Qatar has gifted former President Donald Trump a luxurious Boeing 747 they had struggled to sell due to its high operating costs and impracticality, saving the Gulf nation millions in maintenance and storage fees. Trump claims the jet, which will serve as a temporary Air Force One before being transferred to his presidential library, is necessary because the current U.S. presidential aircraft is outdated and less impressive than those used by Middle Eastern leaders. Aviation experts suggest Qatar’s move is a pragmatic strategy to offload an expensive, obsolete plane, rather than a gesture to curry political favor. The acceptance of the jet has drawn scrutiny over legal and security concerns, with experts warning of significant costs for security upgrades and voicing skepticism about the decision’s wisdom. The episode has prompted satirical responses from late night hosts and political commentators, who lampoon both Trump’s justification and the right-wing media’s defense of accepting the gift. Meanwhile, Qatar and other Gulf nations are increasingly shifting away from such large, conspicuous aircraft in favor of smaller, more discreet and economical jets.