The acceptance of a Qatari 747-8 jet valued at $400 million for use as Air Force One has drawn significant backlash, raising concerns over the legality and implications of such a high-value donation.
Qatari Jet Set to Join Air Force One as Trump Faces Bi-Partisan Criticism
Qatari Jet Set to Join Air Force One as Trump Faces Bi-Partisan Criticism
US Government Prepares for Controversial Gift from Qatar Amid Legal and Ethical Questions
Preparations are underway for a Qatari Boeing 747-8 to be refurbished as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, as reported by CBS and confirmed by the BBC’s US partner. The aircraft, worth $400 million (£300 million), is being given to the United States by Qatar as an "unconditional" gift, with the US government responsible for the refurbishment costs. This arrangement has sparked criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, with allegations that it constitutes a foreign "bribe."
The White House maintains that the transaction is legal and has pledged that the jet will ultimately be handed over to Trump's presidential library after his term ends. According to existing US policy, officials can only accept gifts valued under $480, raising eyebrows about the aircraft donation. A memorandum of understanding between the US Defense Department and Qatar indicates that the aircraft will be delivered "as is," and the Pentagon will oversee modifications before it can be utilitarian for presidential travel. The plane is also subject to extensive security checks to prevent espionage.
Critics have reacted vehemently to the news, alleging impropriety on the administration's part. Notably, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro described the gift as "skeezy," suggesting Qatar's motives may not be innocent. Influential right-wing figure Laura Loomer has labeled it a "stain" on the administration’s reputation.
The necessity of a new Air Force One comes amid dissatisfaction with the current fleet, which includes two aging 747-200 jets. Trump previously expressed his discontent with Boeing regarding deliveries and hinted at potentially acquiring a different jet, emphasizing that turning down a luxurious donation would be unwise.
Despite the administration's assertions of legality, critics highlight a constitutional clause that prohibits officials from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congressional approval. The precise cost of modifying the jet remains unknown, though estimates suggest that retrofitting could reach hundreds of millions or even exceed a billion dollars. Some officials propose funding could come from reallocating savings from other overfunded military programs.
As the narrative evolves, the White House has yet to provide further comments regarding this controversial acceptance of an aircraft intended for presidential use.
The White House maintains that the transaction is legal and has pledged that the jet will ultimately be handed over to Trump's presidential library after his term ends. According to existing US policy, officials can only accept gifts valued under $480, raising eyebrows about the aircraft donation. A memorandum of understanding between the US Defense Department and Qatar indicates that the aircraft will be delivered "as is," and the Pentagon will oversee modifications before it can be utilitarian for presidential travel. The plane is also subject to extensive security checks to prevent espionage.
Critics have reacted vehemently to the news, alleging impropriety on the administration's part. Notably, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro described the gift as "skeezy," suggesting Qatar's motives may not be innocent. Influential right-wing figure Laura Loomer has labeled it a "stain" on the administration’s reputation.
The necessity of a new Air Force One comes amid dissatisfaction with the current fleet, which includes two aging 747-200 jets. Trump previously expressed his discontent with Boeing regarding deliveries and hinted at potentially acquiring a different jet, emphasizing that turning down a luxurious donation would be unwise.
Despite the administration's assertions of legality, critics highlight a constitutional clause that prohibits officials from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congressional approval. The precise cost of modifying the jet remains unknown, though estimates suggest that retrofitting could reach hundreds of millions or even exceed a billion dollars. Some officials propose funding could come from reallocating savings from other overfunded military programs.
As the narrative evolves, the White House has yet to provide further comments regarding this controversial acceptance of an aircraft intended for presidential use.
