The aircraft's acceptance raises questions about legality, costs, and ethics amid political backlash.
US Government Sets to Modify Qatari Aircraft for Presidential Use
US Government Sets to Modify Qatari Aircraft for Presidential Use
The donation of a Qatari jet as Air Force One faces bipartisan scrutiny.
Preparations are underway for the retrofitting of a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, expected to serve as Air Force One for President Donald Trump. This aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, is being gifted "unconditionally," with the US government responsible for any necessary modifications. The arrangement has been met with skepticism from both Democrats and Republicans, prompting accusations that accepting such a gift resembles accepting a "bribe" from a foreign entity.
The White House maintains that the transaction is legal and insists that the jet will eventually be given to Trump’s presidential library upon his departure from office. A memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US Department of Defense clarifies that the aircraft will be provided “as is,” with the Pentagon in charge of making it operational for presidential use, including carrying out necessary security checks to prevent surveillance or espionage.
The news of this aircraft acceptance has provoked swift criticism across the political landscape, notably coming from figures in Trump’s conservative base. Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, labeled the decision as "skeezy," suggesting that Qatar's motives for the donation are not altruistic. Similarly, Laura Loomer, a known right-wing social media personality, has called the acceptance a blemish on the administration.
The rationale behind acquiring a new Air Force One stems from the current fleet, which notably includes two older 747-200 jets operational since 1990. Frustrated with the delays from Boeing regarding new aircraft, Trump has previously expressed a desire to explore alternative aviation options.
The legality of accepting the aircraft has sparked debate, particularly given the constitutional clause prohibiting elected officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval. While current regulations stipulate gift acceptance limits for officials at under $480, the White House has countered any claims of illegality by asserting that compliance with law is assured during the donation process.
Uncertainties loom over the costs associated with retrofitting the aircraft, with estimates indicating that expenses could reach several hundred million dollars or even a billion, accounting for necessary upgrades in security and operational capabilities. An unnamed defense official mentioned the potential reallocation of funds from an over-budget missile defense program to cover the jet's transformation.
The White House maintains that the transaction is legal and insists that the jet will eventually be given to Trump’s presidential library upon his departure from office. A memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US Department of Defense clarifies that the aircraft will be provided “as is,” with the Pentagon in charge of making it operational for presidential use, including carrying out necessary security checks to prevent surveillance or espionage.
The news of this aircraft acceptance has provoked swift criticism across the political landscape, notably coming from figures in Trump’s conservative base. Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, labeled the decision as "skeezy," suggesting that Qatar's motives for the donation are not altruistic. Similarly, Laura Loomer, a known right-wing social media personality, has called the acceptance a blemish on the administration.
The rationale behind acquiring a new Air Force One stems from the current fleet, which notably includes two older 747-200 jets operational since 1990. Frustrated with the delays from Boeing regarding new aircraft, Trump has previously expressed a desire to explore alternative aviation options.
The legality of accepting the aircraft has sparked debate, particularly given the constitutional clause prohibiting elected officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval. While current regulations stipulate gift acceptance limits for officials at under $480, the White House has countered any claims of illegality by asserting that compliance with law is assured during the donation process.
Uncertainties loom over the costs associated with retrofitting the aircraft, with estimates indicating that expenses could reach several hundred million dollars or even a billion, accounting for necessary upgrades in security and operational capabilities. An unnamed defense official mentioned the potential reallocation of funds from an over-budget missile defense program to cover the jet's transformation.
