Former President Donald Trump is reportedly set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft—valued at around $400 million—from Qatar’s royal family, sparking legal and ethical controversy. At the heart of the issue lies the U.S. Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.

Critics argue that accepting such a lavish gift could violate this clause and invite undue foreign influence. Legal scholars emphasize that any benefit of significant value from a foreign state must be carefully scrutinized and approved by Congress to avoid constitutional breaches.

Ethical concerns also loom large. Some observers worry the gift may carry hidden motives or pose national security risks. Questions have been raised about whether the aircraft could contain surveillance equipment or create the perception of foreign favoritism.

While Trump’s team claims the jet may eventually be donated to his presidential library, the legality of the gift remains unresolved. Ultimately, unless Congress explicitly authorizes it, accepting such a gift could put Trump in conflict with one of the Constitution’s oldest safeguards against foreign influence.