**Title: President’s Plan to Use Gifted Boeing 747-8 as Air Force One Sparks Controversy**
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to use a Boeing 747-8 aircraft, gifted by the Qatari royal family, as a presidential aircraft. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Skies,” this aircraft could become the most expensive gift the U.S. government has received from a foreign nation.
In response to media inquiries at the White House regarding the controversy over accepting such a luxurious gift, Trump dismissed the criticisms, stating it would be “foolish” to refuse such an offer. He praised the gesture, calling it a “wonderful gesture by Qatar” and expressed his gratitude by saying, “If someone says they don’t want a very expensive plane for free, that’s really a foolish thing to say.”
He likened the situation to receiving a conceded putt in golf—just a simple gesture of gratitude and moving on to the next hole. Trump clarified that the aircraft is meant as a gift to the U.S. Department of Defense rather than to him personally and would serve as Air Force One until the new presidential aircraft, contracted during his first term, is delivered by Boeing. He assured that there were no plans to use it for personal reasons but mentioned that it could be donated to the “Trump Presidential Library” after his term.
The New York Times, among other media outlets, reported that this move has drawn criticism from the Democratic Party and civil organizations. They argue it poses a conflict of interest and could be seen as a form of bribery aimed at gaining favor. Concerns were also raised that donating the aircraft to the Trump library could allow for personal use post-presidency.
Currently, the aging Air Force One fleet consists of Boeing 747s in service for over 30 years, with an agreement made during Trump’s first term for newer models. However, production delays have postponed these to post-2027, a point of dissatisfaction for Trump.