Many sources are taking a dim view of the "gift" of a luxury 747 to Trump by Qatar, and I share some of their questions. There is, however, a factor that has not been mentioned in any of the analysis I've seen.
The 747 is an obsolete design, it first flew commercial routes in 1970, some 55 years ago. Boeing no longer makes them.
Modern Boeing and Airbus designs that fly the same sort of long passenger routes the 747 flew are all have two engines instead of four. They get the job done with less fuel and incorporate other design upgrades reflecting new technology.
Perhaps the uber-wealthy Qataris want a more modern plane for their leaders and saw an opportunity to gain good will by donating their gently used luxury 747 to Trump? Seen in that light, their gift may be no more significant than you donating granny’s no longer needed Buick to your PBS station's fund drive.
Perhaps it is less a Trojan horse than a shiny hand-me-down.
