The Pentagon has formally accepted a $400 million Boeing 747 jumbo jet from the government of Qatar to be temporarily used as Air Force One, drawing strong bipartisan criticism over ethical and national security implications. The aircraft, which will require extensive modifications before it can serve as the U.S. President’s plane, was accepted despite unresolved concerns raised by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
According to Financial Times, which first reported on the development, former President Donald Trump has pushed for the jet to serve as a stopgap measure while Boeing continues work on two long-delayed official Air Force One aircraft. Trump characterized the gift as a necessary and cost-effective solution. “It’s a great thing,” he said during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasizing that the aircraft was being given to the U.S. Air Force, not to him personally. He added, “It would be stupid to say, ‘no, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the acceptance, stating, “The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.” Parnell emphasized that the Department of Defense will ensure the plane meets all operational and security requirements before transporting the President of the United States.
Despite these assurances, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have voiced serious objections. Democratic Congresswoman Kelly Morrison called the acceptance of the aircraft “corruption in plain sight,” while Senator Tammy Duckworth warned of “very real operational security risks.” Senator Mazie Hirono went further, accusing Trump of using the Department of Defense to “launder an impermissible gift to skirt constitutional limitations.”
Republican Senator Susan Collins echoed these concerns, telling NBC News, “The transaction strikes me as being rife with political espionage, ethical and constitutional problems.”
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a contract is being prepared to retrofit the jet, but declined to provide a timeline or details, citing classification. Troy Meink, the newly appointed Air Force Secretary, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee this week, saying the aircraft would require “significant modifications” before it could be used in an executive airlift role.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani defended the donation, calling it a routine act between allies. “I don’t know why people are thinking that this is considered as bribery,” he said, denying any attempt by Qatar to buy influence in Washington.
The aircraft’s acceptance comes at a time when relations between Qatar and the U.S. remain close, but under increased scrutiny due to the potential implications of such a high-value gift. The move also renews attention on Boeing’s delays, with Trump again criticizing the aerospace company for being “a little bit late” in delivering the official replacements for Air Force One.
