'Flying palace': What's inside Qatar's $400M luxury airplane for Donald Trump

Dismissing ethical concerns about his plan to accept an airplane as a gift from the Qatari royal family, US President Donald Trump said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost." Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily." News of the offer drew immediate criticism from Democrats and advocates of good government including Republicans, who warned it was a conflict of interest that could influence presidential decisions.

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This luxurious‘flying palace’ Boeing 747-8 jumbo will be among the most expensive gifts ever given to the US by a foreign government. But what are the highlights of this luxurious jet?

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• It is a $400 million luxury plane
• It has ultra-luxurious interiors
• Gold-colored walls
• Gold furnishings
• A spacious master bedroom
• A conference area accommodating 6-7 people
• Multiple lounges and several bathrooms
• Winding staircase leading to a second level
• Plush carpeting
  
• Leather couches
• It is dubbed as “world’s most luxurious private jet”
• Interior of the plane done by French interior design firm Alberto Pinto Cabinet

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Qatar denies reports of "gift" to Trump

Qatar, meanwhile, on Sunday acknowledged discussions with the US for the transfer of a luxury plane to be temporarily used as President Trump's Air Force One carrier but denied reports that the jet “is being gifted” or that a final decision had been made. Reacting to the report, Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché, in a statement said, “Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate.”

Criticism on the gift to Trump

Amid concerns of a violation of the US Constitution – its emoluments clause prohibits government officials from accepting gifts "from any King, Prince or foreign State" – and concerns about foreign influence, Trump defended the move on social media.

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However, Senate Republicans indicated they have multiple concerns. “It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America,” said Sen. Josh Hawley. “If Qatar gives a plane to the president of the United States, it seems to me that raises questions of whether the administration would be in compliance with the gift law,” Sen. Susan Collins. “I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas...I don’t know how you make it safe,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who is an ardent Trump supporter. “