By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed the acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. This decision has sparked debates regarding the ethics and legality of receiving such an expensive gift from a foreign nation.
The Defense Department has assured that necessary security measures will be implemented on the aircraft to ensure the safety of the president. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the acceptance of the plane was done in compliance with all federal regulations.
Despite criticisms, Trump has defended the gift as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers. During his recent Middle East trip, he justified the acceptance of the aircraft in a social media post, highlighting the financial benefits of acquiring it for free.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential violation of the Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts. Both Democrats and some Republican lawmakers have expressed reservations about the decision, emphasizing the considerable cost and time required to retrofit the plane to meet security standards.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., denounced the acceptance of the aircraft as unconstitutional and wasteful, estimating that over $1 billion in taxpayer funds would be needed for the aircraft’s overhaul. She cautioned against jeopardizing national security by receiving the plane from the Qatari ruling family.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged the significant modifications needed for the aircraft to meet required standards. The Air Force is preparing to award a contract for the modification of a Boeing 747, with specific details classified.
Trump, responding to questions about the gift, defended the decision as beneficial for the United States Air Force. He emphasized that the aircraft was not intended for personal use and would ultimately be donated to a future presidential library.
While Trump has not provided a clear national security rationale for the immediate upgrade, he has indicated that he will not use the plane after his term ends. Instead, he plans to donate it for public display, similar to the decommissioned Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan.
Associated Press writers Tara Copp and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
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