Multiple reports about a gifted Boeing 747 have emerged from various news outlets, the Qatari government, and now President Trump himself. Decrying the state of his two 30 year old 747s and the delays of two new ones by Boeing, Trump said, “We may go buy a plane or get a plane or something.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, formerly a lobbyist for the Qatari government during Trump’s first term, said the gift would be “legally permissible” as long as ownership was transferred to the Trump Library before the president left office.
Traditional policy requires that gifts over a few hundred dollars be transferred to the National Archives after a president leaves office. Questioned about this, Trump responded, “No, it should be at my library. I won’t even use it, probably. Look, they’re giving us an airplane? Why is this so hard to understand?” Angered at suggestions this would violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, Trump referred to a golfing term indicating the unquestioned success of a putt on a golfing green: “It’s a ‘gimme!’”
Aides then explained that Mr. Trump of course would pay maintenance and operational expenses if he was to use the plane after 2028. Looking puzzled, Trump asked, “How much is that?” When told it would be in the $45 million annual range, he shouted, “What the heck? Forget that. I don’t want the damn thing! Get me Pammy!”
