ABC News first reported that “the Trump administration is preparing to accept a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar — a gift that is to be available for use by President Donald Trump as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which time ownership of the plane will be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation, sources familiar with the proposed arrangement told ABC News.”
Is the report accurate? President Trump alluded to the story and confirmed the “GIFT” element on Truth Social (screenshot below). There is no mention of Qatar. However, I think we would have heard something about “fake news” if ABC News had gotten the gist of the story or significant details wrong.
The deal may not go down. There must be an issue of legality in the mix. Other complications may prevent its consummation. The ABC News story awkwardly relates that “the gift will not be presented or gifted [sic] while the president is in Qatar this week.” (Even without the benefit of an editor, I would not be inclined to write “the gift will not be gifted…”)
It is nevertheless not too soon to say that this is a very bad idea. Qatar is a very bad actor. Unlike the ancient Greeks, they aren’t even wily. Qatar is just drowning in wealth sufficient to buy off anyone or any institution worth being bought and to support Al Jazeera, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other organizations hostile to making America great again.
🚨 Breaking: First photo of the new Air Force One gifted to Trump 👇
Beware of Qataris bearing gifts. pic.twitter.com/ElalbIUGPR
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) May 12, 2025
