- The Pentagon accepted a $400 million Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One. In a historic decision, the Pentagon accepts $400M jet from Qatar as Air Force One.
- The plane requires costly, years-long security upgrades before it can carry the president.
- Senate Democrats raised legal and surveillance concerns and called for an investigation.
The Pentagon accepted a Boeing 747 jet gifted by Qatar. This luxury plane costs around $400 million. Officials plan to use it as Air Force One, the official plane for the U.S. president, marking the occasion where Pentagon accepts $400M jet. The Defense Department confirmed the acceptance followed all federal rules. The plane will need major upgrades before it can carry the president. These upgrades will ensure security and full functionality for presidential travel. The Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, said the department will carefully handle all necessary changes.
Qatar Offered the Jet During President Trump’s Middle East Visit
Qatar gave the jet to President Donald Trump during his recent trip to the Middle East. Trump announced that he will transfer the plane to his presidential library after he leaves office. The gift surprised many and stirred immediate debate. The gesture represents a rare and costly present from a foreign government. Trump called the gift a “great thing” during a news conference. However, some lawmakers voiced concerns about accepting such a gift without congressional approval. Hence, the Pentagon accepts $400M jet while addressing these concerns.
Senate Democrats Raise Security and Legal Concerns About the Gift
Senate Democrats quickly criticized the jet gift. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, called for an inspector general investigation. He said the gift might violate constitutional rules that limit accepting personal gifts from foreign governments without Congress’s okay. Reed also warned about the challenges to retrofit the plane. Protecting it against spying, surveillance, and other risks will cost a lot of money. He added that retrofitting will take several years, given the complex security needs for a presidential plane.
Air Force Plans to Modify the Jet but Details Remain Secret
The Air Force announced it will soon award a contract to modify the Qatar jet. They plan to adapt the plane for executive airlift, meaning it will serve the president and other top officials. The Air Force did not share many details because the contract remains classified. The current Air Force One replacement jets are already behind schedule by years. Using this gifted Boeing 747 may help ease some delays. However, experts expect the retrofitting to take a long time and involve high costs.
President Trump Dismisses Media Questions, Praises the Gift
During a May 21 news conference, President Trump faced many questions about the gifted jet. He called the questions “fake news” and defended the gift strongly. Trump said, “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, and it’s a great thing.” He showed pride in receiving such a valuable gift from Qatar. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who stood next to Trump, joked he did not have a plane to give in return. The light moment ended the tense discussion about the plane’s future.
