Preparations are underway to retrofit a Boeing jumbo jet donated by Qatar for use as Air Force One by President Donald Trump. The plane, valued at $400 million, has ignited widespread backlash across both sides of the US political aisle, with critics questioning the legality and optics of accepting such an extravagant gift from a foreign government.
According to reports, the aircraft will be handed over “as is” to the US government under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Qatar and the Pentagon. While Qatar describes the gift as “unconditional” and insists it involves no improper influence, critics including some of Trump’s own allies have slammed the move as unethical, with some even calling it a “bribe.”
“I think the technical term is ‘skeezy,’” said conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, adding, “Qatar is not allegedly giving President Trump a $400m jet out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts.”
While the aircraft is being donated, the cost of retrofitting it to meet the rigorous standards required for Air Force One including advanced communication systems, nuclear blast protection, and mid-air refueling will be covered by the US government. Experts estimate the modifications could cost hundreds of millions, possibly up to $1 billion.
An anonymous defense official said that some of the funding might be reallocated from the overfunded Sentinel program, which is intended to modernize the US land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system.
The Pentagon has pledged that the plane will undergo extensive security inspections to ensure it is free of surveillance or espionage devices. The MOU itself emphasises that the donation is a bona fide gift, stating, “Nothing in this MOU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence or corrupt practice.”
Despite those assurances, constitutional scholars and lawmakers have raised concerns over whether the gift is lawful. Under US law, federal officials are generally barred from accepting gifts valued over $480 from foreign governments without explicit congressional approval.
“Any present, of any kind whatever from a foreign state requires the consent of Congress,” said Senator Adam Schiff, referencing the US Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
Trump, however, has shrugged off the criticism. He previously described the offer from Qatar as a “great gesture” and remarked that he’d be “stupid” to decline it. The White House has maintained that the acceptance of the aircraft is legal, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying earlier this year, “The legal details of that are still being worked out. Of course, any donation to the government is always done in full compliance with the law.”
In a move aimed at deflecting controversy, Trump has said the jet will eventually be donated to his presidential library after he leaves office.
Traditionally, presidential libraries include archives and artifacts, but the inclusion of an aircraft as expensive as this one would mark an unprecedented addition.
“It’s going to the library,” Trump reportedly said, positioning the plane as a historical artifact rather than a personal asset.
The backlash has not only come from Democrats but also from Trump’s conservative base. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer described the donation as a “stain” on the Trump administration, questioning the motive behind Qatar’s generosity.
The White House and Pentagon was contacted for comment on the issue, but no official statement has been released beyond earlier briefings.
While the US has long been planning to update its aging presidential fleet currently comprised of two 747-200s in use since 1990 Trump has publicly clashed with Boeing over delays and costs in producing the next-generation aircraft.
In February, he floated the idea of “buying a plane or getting a plane, or something.”
This donation appears to be Trump’s solution. However, the optics of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government especially one with a complicated geopolitical reputation has raised concerns not only about influence but also about national precedent.
As one defense expert put it, “This sets a dangerous standard. If foreign governments start donating high-value equipment to American leaders, where do we draw the line?”
Whether Congress intervenes remains to be seen. But one thing is clear, the Qatari jet, even before taking flight, has become one of the most controversial aircraft in American political history.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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