Qatar PM Denies Bribery in $400M Boeing 747 Gift to Trump

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has strongly defended the Gulf nation's offer of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet to U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing allegations that the gift is an attempt to buy influence or bribery. He emphasized that the transaction is a transparent and legal Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense exchange between allies, reflecting longstanding ties and friendship. The lavish aircraft, once owned by Qatar’s royal family and described as a 'palace in the sky,' has sparked bipartisan concerns in the U.S. about ethical, security, and constitutional issues, leading to the introduction of legislation aimed at preventing foreign aircraft from serving as Air Force One. Trump has expressed enthusiasm for the gift, stating he would be foolish to reject it and plans to donate the plane to his presidential library after his term, not for personal use. Experts note that significant modifications, including enhanced security and communication systems, would be required to convert the jet into a secure presidential aircraft. Despite the controversy, Qatar maintains that the gift is a normal diplomatic gesture between allies, while some U.S. lawmakers remain wary of the implications.