Qatar has rejected accusations that its offer of a Boeing 747-8 to U.S. President Donald Trump was an attempt to buy influence, calling the gesture a routine diplomatic exchange between allies.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, emphasized on Tuesday that the gift was not intended as bribery, stressing that the U.S. should view Qatar as a reliable partner. “We’ve always been there for the U.S. whenever needed,” he said at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.
The offer sparked controversy after U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a bill to prevent foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One. The “Presidential Airlift Security Act” raised concerns about the legal implications of such a gift and its potential for improper influence.
Trump dismissed the ethical concerns, stating that it would be “stupid” to reject the generous gift. He clarified that the aircraft, valued at $400 million, would eventually be donated to his presidential library and not used for personal purposes after his presidency.
Experts have pointed out that retrofitting the plane to meet security standards would involve significant upgrades, including improved communications systems and defense measures against potential missile threats.
The announcement of the aircraft deal comes amid a broader series of business deals during Trump’s high-profile visit to the region, which included a record order for 160 widebody jetliners from Qatar Airways. Trump’s trip, focusing on strengthening economic ties, marked the first visit to Doha by a U.S. president in 23 years, following years of strained relations after Qatar was accused by several Arab states of supporting terrorism.
