The main ethical concerns revolve around potential conflicts of interest and violations of the U.S. Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which restricts presidents from accepting gifts from foreign governments that could influence their decisions. This has led to bipartisan criticism regarding the implications of accepting such a lavish gift from Qatar while engaging in significant diplomatic and financial dealings with the country.

President Trump defends accepting the jet as a beneficial and cost-saving upgrade for Air Force One, emphasizing that it is a government-to-government donation to the United States, not a personal gift. He argues that the current Air Force One jets are outdated and that accepting the plane makes sense since other nations have superior aircraft. Trump also highlights that he personally gains nothing from the arrangement and plans to use the jet as any other president would.

Qatari officials maintain that the jet is a government-to-government gift to the United States and not a personal gift to President Trump. They frame it as part of diplomatic relations and a gesture of cooperation between the two countries.

The acceptance of the jet coincides with President Trump securing a $96 billion deal for Boeing with Qatar, raising questions about the intertwining of foreign influence, political connections, and commercial interests between the U.S. and Qatar.

The donated Qatari Boeing 747-8 jet will serve as a temporary Air Force One until the official U.S. Air Force One jet, approved during Trump's first term, is completed and delivered, which is anticipated to take another two years. After that, the Qatar-donated jet will be decommissioned or transferred as planned.