Qatar Airways is set to purchase 160 jets from Boeing during POTUS visit to the

Qatar Airways is set to purchase 160 jets from Boeing during President Donald Trump's visit to the country, which comes as Qatar has offered to donate a $400 million luxury jet for Trump's use while Boeing builds new Air Force Ones, a gesture that has sparked bipartisan criticism and concerns over conflict of interest.

The deal was announced shortly after Trump arrived in Qatar, where he is meeting with the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Despite concerns, Trump has defended the potential gift on his social media platform, comparing it to historical gifts from other countries and suggesting that rejecting it would be a foolish move. The announcement follows a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where the president secured a $142 billion defense contract and additional investments totaling $600 billion. The trip has put a spotlight on Trump's personal business ties to the Middle East, particularly a recent investment by a UAE-backed fund in his World Liberty Financial crypto project.

The deal with Boeing is part of a series of agreements between the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries, which have so far included significant investments in various sectors such as defense and technology. This is Trump's second stop on a four-day tour of the region, and he is expected to conclude his trip in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. The acceptance of the Qatari gift is still under review by the White House to determine its legality, and it has been proposed that the jet would be given to the Department of Defense rather than used personally by Trump. The deal with Boeing further cements the relationship between the U.S. and Qatar, which has been a key ally in the region despite past tensions.
Forbes