Recommendations of the Editorial team
The Trump government is preparing to make a super luxurious jumbojet of the Boeing 747-8 from the royal family of Qatar to take over, the one until the end of the second term of office Donald Trump the Air Force One is supposed to replace. After that, ownership of the aircraft is intended to pass to the foundation of his presidential library. This reported ABC News, citing the sources familiar with the agreement.
Trump government is planning to take over a Qatarian jumbojet
Trump is due to visit Qatar next week, where the gifted aircraft – which is described as a “flying palace” worth $ 400 million – is expected to be presented.
Boeing 747-8 should replace Air Force One
If the deal came about, it would be the most expensive gift that was ever made by a foreign government to the United States. Trump personally visited the plane in February when it was at the West Palm Beach International Airport.
Constitutional examination of the gift acceptance
The remuneration clause of the constitution prohibits federal officials, “gifts, remuneration, offices or titles of any kind of kings, princes or foreign states” without accepting the congress. However, the government’s lawyers gave the green light for the gift.
Government lawyers give green light
According to ABC News sources, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the legal advisor to the White House, David Warrington, have decided that this is “legally permissible”. Because the plane is handed over on the condition that ownership of Trump’s departure from the office passes to his presidential library.
Transfer of the aircraft to the US air weapon
Initially, however, the 13-year-old plane is handed over to the US air weapon. It assumes the costs for the conversion of the aircraft to the military specifications required for the transport of the president. ABC News from the planned agreement has experienced this.
First property of the Air Force
Government lawyers in the White House and the Ministry of Justice decided that the gift does not represent bribery. Because it is not handed over on the condition of an official act. Bondi also decided that for another reason it was not a bribe. Because the plane is not handed over to Trump itself, but to the Air Force and then to Trump’s presidential library.
Background: Delays at official Air Force One
One reason why Trump wants to have a new katar aircraft is striking. The plans for the construction of a new fleet of Air Force One aircraft would have been delayed. And the budget for the $ 3.9 billion have been exceeded. Although a contract with Boeing was signed in 2018 – while Trump’s first term in office – was signed by the construction of the new fleet, the aircraft should not be ready until 2029, after Trump’s second term. Trump asked Elon Musk to accelerate the process.
Trump asks Elon Musk for help
Although Musk has moved the delivery period by two years, Trump is excited. He can’t wait to enjoy a luxurious new Air Force One this year. Here the royal family of Qatar and their “palace in the air” comes into play.
Security concerns because of foreign aircraft
The security risks associated with the acceptance of such a gift include Of a gift that not only promotes the president, but will also accommodate sensitive and secret conversations. From a foreign government. The aircraft gave may not be able to perform the same performance as the current Air Force One Jets. And the short period of time does not allow any power modifications.
Andrew Hunter warns of lack of time
“You could delete something. You could improve communication. But I suspect that it would be difficult to do more in this period”, ” said Andrew Hunter opposite The Wall Street Journal. Hunter was responsible for procurement at the Air Force.
The Trumps seem to maintain close relationships with the government and the royal family of Qatar. At the end of the last month, the Trump organization announced somewhat known. She has agreed to have one in cooperation with Qatari Diar, a real estate company founded by the country’s state fund new golf course to build in the Middle East. The chairman of Qatari Diar is a minister in the government of Qatar.