After months of speculation, the United States administration has accepted a Qatari Boeing 747-8 jetliner as a gift which is set to be transformed into a new Air Force One to transport President Donald Trump.
The Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had consented to receiving the gift of the jet for use as Trump’s official plane. A spokesperson said that the Defense Department will ensure “proper security measures and functional-mission requirements” are considered.
Legal and constitutional concerns rejected
Legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutional implications of such a gift, and laws exist to prevent offers from foreign governments that could lead to corruption and improper influence. As a result of these issues, Democrats have tried to prevent the plane’s handover. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the acceptance of the jet as “the largest bribe from a foreign government in American history,” calling it “a stain on the office of the presidency.”
Trump taking this Qatari plane is a national security threat and a bribe.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 20, 2025
And I’m introducing legislation to stop the Defense Department from spending a single penny on it. pic.twitter.com/SewFsBqog8
However both Qatari officials and President Trump have downplayed any ethical issues. Trump declared the present a “great gesture” and has gone as far as stating it would be “stupid” not to accept it, claiming on his Truth Social platform that Democrats are simply annoyed that the plane was free.
Trump is who he is. He’d sell our most sensitive intelligence to our enemies if he could personally profit from it. Of course Trump will accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar. Trump is a traitor. But here’s what’s worse. No Republican will say a thing. None of them will.👇 pic.twitter.com/3olL98mFpZ
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) May 12, 2025
No such thing as a free ride?
Though the 13-year-old “flying palace”, originally intended for the Qatari Emir’s use, had a $400 million list price when new and has hardly been used, it is now valued by Cirium at a quarter of that amount. That is one reason why opponents are questioning its value and pointing out the US already has two operational Air Force One jets, even if the VC-25As are older Boeing 747-200B models which have been in service since the early 1990s and are overdue for replacement as a result of Boeing delivery delays.
Another bone of contention is that equipping the high-end aircraft with Air Force One standards of security will include the installation of anti-espionage communications systems and missile-proofing alongside other work that has been estimated at over a billion dollars, although no official price has been put on the transformation. Critics say that the plane could need to be accompanied by fighter jets or be restricted to domestic missions.
Qatar has gifted U.S. President @realDonaldTrump a luxury Boeing 747-8, truly a flying palace. The aircraft features an opulent interior, advanced protective systems, and visible SATCOM antennas. This single jet comes with an eye-popping price tag of around $400 million. pic.twitter.com/V2Elr8mOcG
— Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) May 20, 2025
For now the controversial Qatari plane is located in San Antonio, Texas, and authorities are reported to be partnering with L3 Harris Technologies to carry out its makeover.
