Karoline Leavitt Shuts Down Qatar $400M Gift Criticism With Just One Line [WATCH]

The Trump White House is responding to growing scrutiny over a proposed gift from the Qatari government — a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury jet, intended for use as a temporary Air Force One for President Donald Trump, as reported by The Daily Mail.

On Monday morning, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue in an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade.

Asked whether the Qatari government could expect favors in return for the jet, Leavitt replied:

“Absolutely not, because they know President Trump and they know that he only works with the interest of the American public in mind.”

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She also said the legal process for accepting the aircraft is still underway and that “any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law.”

Karoline Leavitt sets the record straight on Qatar offering to gift President Trump a new jumbo jet. | @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/K9sIiKtwbY

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 12, 2025

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The aircraft, described as one of the most luxurious jets ever built, is reportedly intended to replace the aging current Air Force One on a temporary basis.

Eventually, it would be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation by January 1, 2029, rather than remaining with the U.S. government or returning to Qatar.

President Trump defended the arrangement on Truth Social, stating:

“The Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats. The Dems are World Class Losers!!!! MAGA.”

So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane.…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 12, 2025

Among Democrats, Senator Chris Murphy said the deal appeared to be “a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favors.”

Senator Chuck Schumer added, “It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.” Senator Bernie Sanders, currently touring on his “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” described the arrangement as “blatantly unconstitutional.”

Representative Ritchie Torres has formally requested an investigation by the Government Accountability Office, the Office of Government Ethics, and the acting Department of Defense inspector general.

According to Qatari spokesman Ali Al-Ansari, the aircraft transfer remains under review by legal departments in both countries. “No decision has been made,” he said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously served as a foreign agent for the Qatari Embassy, reportedly reviewed the gift’s legality.

She concluded the offer would not violate federal bribery laws or constitutional limits, since the aircraft would first be accepted by the U.S. government and not given directly to Trump.

The Trump Organization, now led by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has been expanding its ventures in the Middle East, including projects in Qatar and Dubai.

President Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates this week.

The jet, currently undergoing inspection and potential retrofitting by defense contractor L3Harris, features luxury accommodations including staterooms, lounges, and high-end conference areas.

It may ultimately be one of the most valuable gifts ever proposed to the United States by a foreign government.

A White House official confirmed that the aircraft will not “be presented or gifted” during this week’s trip.

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