The Trump administration is reportedly “in discussion” to receive a luxury jumbo jet from the ruling family of Qatar. But the president “left a life of luxury” for public service, didn’t he?

Very recently, the world’s favourite White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt—in her 理直气壮 (lizhi qizhuang, just and forceful) manner—asserted that Donald Trump “left a life of luxury” for public office. Two days later, the president shared on Truth Social that the “Defence Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 50 year old Air Force One” from the State of Qatar (pronounced by American politicians as “cutter”). The plan involves using the aircraft as a presidential plane, with eventual transfer of ownership to his presidential library. Reportedly, Mr Trump was given a preview of the plane in February, when it was kept at Palm Beach International Airport, close to his Mar-a-Largo residence. According to the American media, the Boeing jet is worth US$400 million. It is apparently so opulently liveried that the press has been calling it the “flying palace”.

How the president’s desire to accept a plane that’s not a Louis Vuitton bag squares with Ms Leavitt’s bold claim that her boss has departed from a fine life is unclear. She did not confirm the specifics of the expensive present, except to say: “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s Administration is committed to full transparency.” However, Qatar’s U.S. media attache issued a statement to say that “reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate.” Apparently, the Qatari-owned plane “is technically being gifted from the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the Pentagon, more as a government-to-government transaction instead of a personal one,” as CNN reported.

How the president’s desire to accept a plane that’s not a Louis Vuitton bag squares with Ms Leavitt’s bold claim that her boss has departed from a fine life is unclear

Critics argue that the acceptance of such an exorbitant gift from a foreign government, especially one known to be friendly to the president, raises ethical question marks over Mr Trump’s head and valid questions about foreign influence. But, perhaps, just as crucial is how the favourable taking of a gift such as a luxury plane matches Ms Leavitt’s firm assertion that Mr Trump has moved away from a life he was used to. While available evidence does raise questions about the accuracy of her claim, it is unlikely she will take back her words. It has been seen repeatedly that Karoline Leavitt prioritises political goals over truthfulness. The current political (and media) climate often rewards those who make bold, attention-grabbing statements, even if those statements are detached from reality.

Donald Trump’s undisguised delight in the plane and the defence of his receiving it could be because the Boeing 747(-8) was “assembled” in America, which aligns with his desire for his compatriots to buy the locally-produced (even if goods such as planes, especially luxury planes, are not entirely manufactured in the U.S.). It is, therefore, reasonable to infer that the fact the aircraft is American-made is a contributing factor to his immense interest, although his public statements focus more on the perceived financial benefit. A plane of this magnitude is a powerful symbol of wealth and prestige. It is not just transportation; it is a statement. The reported level of luxury can cater to and amplify a sense of his personal grandeur. It is, however he puts it, a massive gift to inflate a mammoth ego.

Update (22 May 2025, 09:50): CNN reported that the “Pentagon announces it has accepted the jet from Qatar” and the aircraft would be used by Donald Trump “once it is modified”. Apart from the security modifications, the Pentagon does not say if the plane would be made more luxurious, as per Mr Trump’s needs

Illustration: Just So