Trump ready to accept presidential plane as a gift from Qatari royal family
US President Donald Trump is ready to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 plane as a gift from Qatar during his trip to the Middle East this week, and US officials claim the plane could be rearranged as a presidential plane.
The Qatari government said a final decision had not been made yet. However, Trump defends the idea, though that would mean accepting a precious gift from a foreign government.
« The fact that the Ministry of Defense receives a free gift-747 aircraft, which will temporarily replace the 40-year-old Air Force 1, as part of a very public and transparent deal, upsetting corrupt Democrats seeking to pay dearly, » Trump wrote on his social network.
According to ABC News, the aircraft features a luxurious interior, including golden walls, gilded furniture, bedroom, salons, conference rooms, marble bathrooms and a large chair. According to media sources, Trump reviewed the plane in February at West Palm Beach Airport and approved it personally. Before the end of his term, the plane reportedly should be handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The US constitution prohibits federal officials from receiving personal gifts from foreign statesmen without the consent of Congress. Gifts with a value of over $ 480 are considered the ownership of the American people, and officials can only keep them if they buy them at a market price, according to data from the Presidential Library and Ronald Reagan Museum.
Trump will stay in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from tomorrow to Thursday.
Two Air Force 1 aircraft are currently being used, rearranged Boeing 747-200V, in the service of the 90s. They are specially equipped for presidential needs and have modern communication systems and missile protection, with the possibility of refueling in the air.
