On Wednesday, Boeing the American aerospace giant signed a record-breaking agreement with Qatar Airways for up to 210 jets a deal valued at $96 billion. President Donald Trump stood front and centre at the signing in Doha, basking in the glow of a moment billed by the White House as a milestone in American industrial diplomacy.
“This is the kind of deal that only happens when America is respected,” Trump declared. “It’s a win for our workers, our economy, and our partners in the Gulf.”
But the fanfare has been overshadowed by controversy. At the heart of the storm is a single jet a customized Boeing 747-8 reportedly to be used by Trump as Air Force One and later transferred to his presidential library.
Critics on both sides of the aisle are questioning the ethics, optics, and legality of the arrangement.
A Luxury Jet and a Growing Rift
The aircraft, estimated to be worth around $400 million, is being offered by Qatar to the U.S. government. Yet its eventual destination Trump’s library has ignited suspicion that the gift is personal in all but name.
“This smells bad,” said a Senator ,a Republican, speaking to news sources. “Even if it’s technically legal, the appearance is troubling. We should never give the impression that foreign governments can buy favor.”
Qatar insists there’s no ulterior motive. In an interview with media, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described it as “a government-to-government transaction.”
“It has nothing to do with personal relationships,” he said. “This is a matter between our defence ministries — nothing more.”
Critics from All Corners
That hasn’t stopped critics from piling in. The sympathizers to Trump’s populist leanings, called the move “unacceptable.” Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro quipped that the technical term for it was “skeezy,” warning of the risk of foreign influence.
Even within Trump’s own orbit, dissent is growing. Right-wing social media influencer Laura Loomer, typically a vocal supporter, called the move “a stain” and posted a meme depicting the jet as a Trojan Horse packed with militants.
Senator Ted Cruz echoed national security concerns, saying in a statement that accepting the aircraft raises “significant espionage and surveillance problems.”
Trump Dismisses Concerns
Trump has been dismissive of the backlash. During a White House press briefing on Tuesday, he waved off a question from media about the ethics of the deal.
“You should be embarrassed asking that question,” he snapped. “They’re giving us a free jet. What do you want me to say ‘No thanks, we’d rather pay $400 million’?”
Later on the president compared the gesture to France’s gift of the Statue of Liberty. “Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country,” he wrote.
The White House maintains the transfer is lawful. “All gifts from foreign governments are accepted in accordance with U.S. law,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “This administration is committed to full transparency.”
Legal, But Is It Right?
The U.S. Constitution bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent. But the White House argues that because the jet is being given to the government, not the president personally, it doesn’t violate the Emoluments Clause.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, a former lobbyist for the Qatari government, has reportedly signed off on the deal’s legality. That revelation has added fuel to the fire, with some pointing to a conflict of interest.
Meanwhile, critics also note Trump’s continued business links in Qatar. Just last month, the Trump Organization announced plans for a luxury golf resort outside Doha — a move that’s done little to quiet ethical concerns.
A Boeing Lifeline
For Boeing, the Qatar deal is a major shot in the arm. After a bruising 2024 — marked by a production-halting strike and fallout from a high-profile Alaska Airlines safety scare — the company needed good news.
The agreement includes 130 Dreamliner 787s and 30 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order “solidifies our partnership with one of the world’s most respected airlines.”
Markets responded positively, with Boeing shares closing slightly higher on Wednesday. But analysts warn that airline orders can shift quickly, and what’s announced today may not be delivered tomorrow.
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s visit to Qatar is part of a broader Middle East tour, with stops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. So far, his delegation has announced over $800 billion in commercial and defence agreements, including sales of drones and counter-drone systems to Doha.
Supporters say the trip shows Trump’s strength as a dealmaker. Detractors argue it blurs the line between diplomacy and self-interest.
A Republican strategist said the controversy is unlikely to dent Trump’s core appeal.
“He’s turned scandals into stepping stones before,” Heye said. “The question is whether this time is different.”
As the jet sits in a hangar waiting for its fate, the row over who it’s really for and why is far from over.
