The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that U.S. President Donald Trump is ready to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar during his trip to the Middle East this coming week. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe quotes U.S. officials saying the aircraft could be converted into a new Air Force One. The Qatari government acknowledged discussions between the two countries about "the possible transfer" of a plane to be used temporarily as Mr. Trump's Air Force One, but denied that the jet "is being gifted" or that a final decision had been made. ABC News reported that Mr. Trump will use the aircraft as his presidential plane until shortly before he leaves office in January, 2029, when ownership will be transferred to the foundation overseeing his yet-to-be-built presidential library. The gift was expected to be announced when Mr. Trump visits Qatar, as part of a trip that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the first extended foreign travel of his second term. The Constitution's Emoluments Clause bars anyone holding government office from accepting any present, emolument, office or title from any "King, Prince, or foreign State."
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