Headline:
Trump Defends Use of Qatar’s Private Jet Amid Air Force One Delays: “Why Wouldn’t I Accept a Gift?”
By FNF News Staff
May 14, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has defended his use of a luxury aircraft reportedly loaned by the Qatari government during recent travel, calling criticism over the gesture “nonsense” amid ongoing delays in the U.S. Air Force’s delivery of new Boeing VC-25B aircraft, commonly known as Air Force One.
“The plane was beautiful, absolutely perfect,” Trump said Tuesday during a rally in South Carolina. “Why wouldn’t I accept a gift from a country we work with? We didn’t have the new ones ready, and I wasn’t about to fly commercial.”
Background: Boeing Delays Spark Workarounds
The U.S. Air Force’s modernization project for Air Force One—including two heavily customized Boeing 747-8s—has faced repeated production and delivery setbacks, largely due to supply chain issues and contract disputes with Boeing.
The aircraft, originally expected by 2024, are now projected to be operational by late 2026, according to a recent GAO (Government Accountability Office) report.
Source: GAO Report on VC-25B Program Delays (2025) – gao.gov
Trump’s Use of Qatari Jet Raises Eyebrows
According to two unnamed defense officials cited in Politico, the jet used was a state-owned Qatar Airways VIP aircraft, modified for heads of state. Though no laws appear to have been violated, some ethics experts question the optics.
“It’s unusual, though not illegal, for a former president to accept use of foreign government property,”
— Dr. Naomi Holtzman, professor of public ethics, Georgetown University
White House officials have not commented on whether any protocol was breached, though the Secret Service reportedly approved the aircraft for temporary use given the lack of available federal options.
Political Reaction Divided
Reactions to Trump’s statement have split along party lines:
- Republican allies defended the move as “pragmatic,” citing the need for secure transport and asserting that Trump remains a “diplomatic figure on the world stage.”
- Democrats called it a “clear example of foreign influence,” demanding an investigation into the details of the agreement.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,”
— Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) said in a press statement.
“No foreign government should be loaning assets to American leaders, past or present.”
Qatar Responds
In a short statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the jet was offered “as a diplomatic courtesy,” emphasizing the country’s longstanding cooperation with the U.S.
“We consider former President Trump a key figure in regional diplomacy,” the statement read. “This was not a political favor—it was a gesture of goodwill.”
Conclusion: A New Norm?
Trump’s unapologetic defense has once again thrown the spotlight on how former presidents navigate global relationships, blurred protocol, and security needs. While not illegal, the situation may prompt Congressional review of post-presidency privileges and foreign assistance, especially in the absence of functional Air Force One aircraft.
Source
- Politico – “Trump Uses Qatari Jet During Air Force One Delay” (2025)
- GAO Report – “Air Force One Modernization Delays” (April 2025) – https://www.gao.gov
- U.S. Air Force Official Press Releases – https://www.af.mil
- Qatari Foreign Ministry – Official Statement (May 2025)
- Georgetown University, Ethics Commentary – Interview with Dr. Naomi Holtzman
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) – Press Statement on foreign government influence (2025)
