U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is set to receive a state-of-the-art aircraft worth 400 million USD (approximately 536 billion Rwandan francs), donated by Qatar’s royal family.
The Boeing 747-8 jet, usually reserved for VIP heads of state, is being considered for temporary use as “Air Force One” due to delays in the delivery of new presidential aircraft.
This unexpected gift comes as Boeing faces production setbacks, prompting Qatar to intervene and offer the luxury plane.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Department of Defense is receiving a brand-new plane, for free, openly. The Democrats are furious—they want us to spend big money. Total disgrace.”
Security analysts have raised concerns, noting that such gifts are highly unusual in diplomatic relations and could pose security risks, including potential surveillance equipment on board. Some critics view this as improper conduct for a global leader, suggesting a questionable closeness between Trump and Qatar.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense spokesperson stated that “talks are ongoing between both sides” and that “a final decision has not yet been made.”
