Can President Trump take a luxury aircraft $ 400 million?

US President Donald Trump said his administration wants to accept a plane worth $ 400 million (303 million pounds) as a gift from Qatar, calling it a “big gesture” he will be “stupid” to refuse.

Some members of the rival Democratic Party were marked by “wildly illegally” – what the White House denied – and it caused criticism of some Trump supporters.

Qatar himself previously stated that the plane reports were “inaccurate” and the negotiations were ongoing.

This news comes when Trump visits several countries in the Middle East, including Qatar.

The BBC Verify is considering the legality of presidents accepting gifts.

On Sunday, US media reported that Trump’s administration was preparing to accept the Boeing Jumbo Ray of the Royal Family – saying that the aircraft would be transformed and used temporarily as a air force, the name of the aircraft used by the presidents.

Trump later Published on the truth of the social: “The Defense Department receives a 747 free plane gift to replace the 40-year-old Air Force, temporarily, in very public and transparent transactions.”

When asked by the journalists, Trump said, “This is a great gesture from Qatar. I really appreciate it. I would never be alone to give up such a proposal.”

In February, Trump said he was “not satisfied with Boeing” about the delays of two new Air Force planes that he expects to get directly from the company. He added that the White House could instead “buy a plane or get a plane or something.”

The Qatari aircraft was painted in Palm Bich, Florida, in February where Trump looked at him. Currently, it is equipped with three bedrooms, a private living room and an office, according to its summary document since 2015.

The official of the catarrh said cnn The aircraft is given from the Ministry of Defense to the Pentagon, and it will be changed to meet the Air Force security and security standards.

Experts say it probably will take years, which means that the aircraft may not be ready for use by the end of Trump.

Trump said the plane would go directly to his presidential library after he resists and he would not use after his presidency. “

However, this step has led to criticism from the Democrats, as well as some long -standing Trump supporters, including Laura Lumer, who said, “It will really be an administrator’s spot if it is true.”

Several senior Democrats claim that the gift will be illegal.

Democratic Senator Adam Shiff quotes the US Constitution section Given this, no elected official could accept “any gift … any kind” from a foreign country leader without the approval of Congress.

Frank Kolian, Professor of American History at Edinburgh University, says the item “was intended to prevent bribery affect the government.”

“This is definitely stretching the Constitution, and we have not seen a gift on that scale, nor of this nature,” says Professor Andrew Moran, an expert on the constitutional legislation of the University of London.

A number of other laws adopted by Congress, related to the adoption of foreign gifts, such as the Law on Foreign Gifts and Decorations of 1966, which means Congress are required to accept foreign gifts above a certain value.

Currently US officials can Accept the gifts that are estimated by less than $ 480 (£ 363).

Although Trump referred to the plane, which ultimately moved to his “library”, experts suggested that he really means his museum fund.

Usually, ex -presidents have a library that houses the documents archive, and the museum is usually funded by private donations – full commemorative subjects and open to the public.

Experts who check the BBC said the fact that the aircraft could be transferred to the administration – not directly to the president – before being transferred to his museum, could not do with a potential violation of the Constitution.

Jordan Libowicz – from the organization of citizens for responsibility and ethics in Washington – said that any use of Trump’s plane after leaving the post to cross the line: “The Reagan Military -Air Force were in his presidential library, but there was a difference.

The US Department of Justice reportedly developed a memo, which explains why it believes that the acceptance of the aircraft will be permissible, although it was not announced.

When the White House press secretary Caroline asked about the legality of the transaction, she said: “Legal data is still being developed, but of course, any donation of this government is always fully implemented by the law.”

President Trump is on a four -day trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, hoping to earn investment for the US.

His visit stems from a number of business transactions announced by Trump’s organization, led by President Eric and Donald’s sons.

These include plans to build a golf course and luxury villas in Qatar and UAE.

Currently, President Trump is not related to Trump’s organization, transferring the responsibility to children after entering the White House on January 20.

The deal was Announced by the Trump organization In early May, develop a luxury golf course with 18 golf holes and a luxury villa collection north of Qatar’s capital, Doha.

At the time, Eric Trump said: “We are incredibly proud to expand Trump’s brand to Qatar through this exceptional cooperation with Qatari Diar and Dar Global.”

Dar Global – a construction company engaged in public power; Qatari Diar-State Company Qatar.

Separately, April 30, Trump organization announced It will build a “Trump’s first hotel and tower in the” Dubai’s heart “, consisting of 80 floors of” luxurious world -class hospitality and hospitality. “

Eric Trump also visited the UAE recently, Speaking in Token 2049Cryptocurrency conference, May 1.

Asked if Trump could meet with everyone who participated in the family business during his trip, the White House press secretary Carolyn said that it was “funny” to assume that the president is doing something for his own benefit.