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Eric Trump says the aircraft expected to be displayed at the future Trump Presidential Library in Miami is a retired Air Force One—not the Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar to President Donald Trump—marking a departure from the President’s earlier public comments.

In a text message to NBC News, Eric Trump said that displaying the Qatari-gifted aircraft in Miami “is not the plan at the moment for Miami.”

His remarks appear to differ from President Trump’s previous statements indicating that the Boeing 747-8 would become part of the presidential library after he leaves office.

Speaking with the Palm Beach Post last month, Eric Trump discussed plans for the library complex, saying, “Obviously, they’re retiring two Air Force ones now, the 2900 and the 29100z. The 2900 will be at the base of that building.”

He added, “There’s tremendous history between everything [my father] did first term and now second term, and all the state visits.”

Eric Trump also revealed that the presidential library is being designed with a large aircraft exhibit in mind. “I’m sure wings will have to come off in order to just sneak it in there, but we’ll make it happen, that’ll be fun.”

He pointed to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s display of a retired Boeing 707 as the inspiration for showcasing a presidential aircraft at the Trump library.

A White House official told The Hill on Thursday that no final determination has been made regarding which plane will ultimately be featured at the future library.

President Trump previously said that the Boeing 747-8, valued at approximately $400 million and donated by Qatar, would be transferred “directly to the library after I leave office,” with the Trump Presidential Library Foundation assuming ownership of the aircraft in 2029.

The proposed transfer has generated widespread debate since it was first announced.

Ethics experts and lawmakers from both political parties have questioned whether accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government could create the appearance of improper foreign influence and potentially raise constitutional issues under the Foreign Emoluments Clause.

Others have expressed concern about whether the aircraft could be upgraded to satisfy the stringent communications, security, and defensive standards required of Air Force One.

The Trump administration has maintained that the arrangement complies with all applicable legal requirements and has emphasized that the aircraft would undergo extensive modifications before being used for presidential travel.

{Matzav.com}