Qatar PM Rejects Claims of Bribery Over Trump Jet Gift

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has firmly denied claims that Doha tried to buy influence by offering former U.S. President Donald Trump a luxurious Boeing 747 jet reportedly worth around $400 million.

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Speaking on Tuesday, the Qatari leader described the move as part of a long-standing, transparent defense relationship between the two countries.

“I call it an exchange between two countries,” he said. “The relationship we have between Qatar and the United States is very institutional.”

Al-Thani explained that the proposed jet gift was part of a formal agreement between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.

“It’s done in full transparency and very legally. This is part of the cooperation that we’ve always had for decades,” he added.

The controversy sparked after Trump toured the Middle East last week, stopping in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Critics back in the U.S. accused him of accepting favors from foreign governments. The jet offer coincided with Qatar announcing a massive deal to order up to 210 U.S.-made Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines. The White House called it the largest-ever widebody order in Boeing’s history.

Still, Al-Thani brushed off the accusations of bribery.

“This is a normal thing that happens between allies,” he said. “Nothing has been done by us under the table. A lot of nations have gifted the U.S. many things. I’m not comparing that to the Statue of Liberty, but…”

Trump, for his part, said on Truth Social last week that the jet would temporarily replace the aging Air Force One, the current presidential aircraft that's been in use for over 40 years. He also mentioned that the plane might eventually become part of a future presidential library.

Meanwhile, Boeing is still working on a new Air Force One model, which has faced delays due to supplier issues and parts shortages.

Despite the noise, both leaders seem intent on keeping the focus on cooperation and transparency, not controversy.