Washington: The United States has accepted a Boeing 747 aircraft as a gift from Qatar, with plans to modify the jet for use as the next Air Force One to transport President Donald Trump. The Pentagon announced the acceptance of the aircraft, which has intensified scrutiny over potential violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Democrats have accused Trump of exploiting his office for personal gain, while Trump defends the gift as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers. The secretary of defense accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with federal rules, ensuring proper security measures for presidential transport. The Air Force is planning significant modifications to the aircraft, which has been in San Antonio, Texas, at a maintenance facility since last month.
Trump administration officials are considering L3Harris, a military contractor, for the retrofit, though no formal contract has been disclosed. Congress, constitutionally required to approve large gifts to the president, has yet to vote on the plane's acceptance. Trump argues the plane is a gift to the U.S. government and not to him personally.
The gift has sparked a bipartisan controversy, with Democrats accusing Trump of a constitutional violation. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the action, suggesting it could lead to Trump retaining the plane after leaving office. Schumer and other Democrats have proposed legislation to prevent foreign aircraft from becoming Air Force One and to stop taxpayer funding for modifications.
Despite Trump's defense of the gift as a tax-saving measure, Senator Tammy Duckworth countered that the action would waste taxpayer dollars, estimating over $1 billion in costs for the aircraft's overhaul. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated the gift was a transparent transaction between defense departments.
The Boeing 747 will require extensive upgrades to meet Air Force One standards, including secure communications and defense systems. The current Air Force One planes have been in service since 1990, and Trump previously signed a deal with Boeing to customize new planes, expected to be ready by 2027. Aviation experts warn that the refurbishment of the Qatari jet could cost hundreds of millions and extend into the 2030s, raising questions about the financial and practical sense of accepting the gift.