US receives Qatar Boeing 747 meant for US Presidential Use
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally accepted a Boeing 747 aircraft from the Qatari government, intended for President Donald Trump's potential use as Air Force One, the Pentagon confirmed.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the Department of Defense would "ensure proper security measures" are implemented to prepare the aircraft for presidential use. He emphasised that the acceptance of the plane was conducted "in accordance with all federal rules and regulations."
President Trump, when questioned about the development during an Oval Office press briefing, offered a brief remark: "They are giving the United States Air Force a jet." He previously defended the gift when the news surfaced a week earlier, brushing off concerns about accepting such a high-value donation from a foreign government while in office.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump framed the donation as a cost-effective decision. "The Defence Department is receiving a free 747 aircraft to temporarily replace the 40-year-old Air Force One -- in a very public and transparent transaction. But it bothers the crooked Democrats so much that they'd rather we pay top dollar for the plane," he wrote.
According to a report by ABC News, the newly acquired aircraft is expected to serve as Trump's primary plane until just before he leaves office in January 2029. At that point, the aircraft would reportedly be transferred to the foundation managing his planned presidential library, which has not yet been built.
The network also noted that government officials had drafted a legal analysis concluding that accepting the plane was permissible under US law. However, legal experts have pointed to the US Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting any "present, emolument, office, or title" from a foreign state without the consent of Congress.
The gift has sparked criticism on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took aim at Trump's "America First" slogan, saying, "Nothing says 'America First' like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar." He added, "It's not just bribery -- it's premium foreign influence with extra legroom."
Other lawmakers echoed these concerns, highlighting potential national security risks. Air Force One aircraft are traditionally outfitted with extensive defence and communications systems, including radiation shielding, missile defence technology, and secure communication tools that allow the president to remain in constant contact with military command.
The base price for a new Boeing 747 is around $367 million, while customized VIP versions can exceed $600 million. The Qatari-donated aircraft is estimated to be worth approximately $400 million -- a contribution that Trump called a "great gesture."
