The emirate, once called “a funder of terrorism” by President Trump, has spent lavishly on overhauling its global reputation.

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a $200 billion deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing, a lifeline for the beleaguered American aerospace giant and a powerful symbol of the diplomatic maneuvering defining his presidency.

Republican former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said "Boeing had a responsibility to provide a new Air Force One now."

Legal experts said Trump's acceptance of a private plane from Qatar likely would violate the U.S. Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause.

Qatar Airways has agreed to buy up to 210 jets from American manufacturing giant Boeing, according to US President Donald Trump, who announced the $96bn order as part of his tour of the Middle East.

“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, late on Tuesday, May 13.

GOP lawmakers indicated they have multiple concerns with President Trump potentially being gifted a new luxury jet from Qatar, ranging from safety to legal and ethical worries.

President Donald Trump’s trip to Qatar is off to a flying start. Qatar didn’t bother waiting for Trump to land before setting out to impress him with a fighter jet escort Wednesday.

President Trump continues to defend the proposed gift in numerous posts on Truth Social and a recent conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Trump is facing bipartisan backlash over plans to accept a $400 million jet as a gift from the Qatari royal family.