Qatar gift of jet for Trump’s Air Force One draws scrutiny

The U.S. Department of Defense has formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar to serve as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, drawing sharp debate over constitutionality, cost, and foreign influence.

According to Newsmax, Defense officials confirmed the jet was approved during Trump's recent trip to the Middle East, with Pentagon and White House support, despite bipartisan concern over potential violations of federal law and financial implications.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the aircraft’s acceptance earlier this week, per a Pentagon announcement made Wednesday. The aircraft, described by observers as a “palace in the sky,” was offered to President Trump during a diplomatic visit to the Gulf region. Secretary Hegseth said the decision followed standard procedure and complied with legal restrictions.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell addressed concerns over the transaction, stating the Defense Department would “work to ensure proper security measures” for the plane’s integration. He emphasized that the acquisition was carried out “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” amid scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdog groups.

President Trump defended the move, presenting it as a cost-saving initiative for the U.S. He wrote on social media, “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE.”

Criticism Grows Over Constitutional Challenge

Despite Trump’s endorsement, the decision sparked complaints from Democratic officials and some Republicans who view it as a potential breach of the Constitution’s emoluments clause. This section of the nation’s founding document prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts from foreign powers without congressional approval.

During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., condemned the action, calling it a “dangerous course of action.” She argued that the acceptance not only risks constitutional violations but could also ultimately burden taxpayers rather than save them money.

Duckworth warned that reconfiguring the Qatar-provided jet to match the heightened security and technological standards required for Air Force One could exceed $1 billion. According to Duckworth, “this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over 1 billion in taxpayer dollars.”

Extensive Retrofits Needed for Use

The Air Force, which oversees the maintenance and operation of Air Force One, confirmed that significant changes will be necessary to prepare the aircraft. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged that the plane will need to undergo extensive modifications before it can fulfill its mission for the president.

Meink stated that Defense Secretary Hegseth has already instructed preparations to begin for adapting the plane. He did not specify a timeline but said the Defense Department is prioritizing airworthiness and secure communications for the aircraft.

According to the Air Force, a classified contract is in the preliminary stages to carry out those changes. An official statement from the department noted that they are preparing to award the contract, though they declined to provide detailed specifications due to national security concerns.

Debate Over Transparency and Precedent

Lawmakers opposing the move have expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Several members of Congress have asked for documentation and an explanation for bypassing the typical procurement process used for presidential aircraft.

Critics also point out that the U.S. already operates two fully functional and secure Air Force One aircraft. Duckworth highlighted that these planes are capable of meeting all mission needs, making a third aircraft—especially one that comes with retrofitting costs—potentially redundant.

While acceptance of gifts from allied nations is not without precedent, critics argue that the scale and nature of the Qatari jet raises new and serious concerns. Legal analysts warn that such gifts, even if intended as gestures of goodwill, may create dependency or compromise perceived neutrality.

Next Steps Unfold Amid Mixed Reactions

Trump’s allies have dismissed the criticism, arguing that cost-cutting in defense is a net benefit to American taxpayers. However, watchdog groups are monitoring the developments closely and have urged congressional oversight to examine all legal angles of the acceptance.

In the meantime, the plane remains grounded until further testing and evaluations are completed. Engineers and military officials will conduct structural assessments and design plans for installing necessary defense systems and communications hardware.

The political and legal debate over the jet’s acceptance is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Analysts predict court challenges may arise, particularly if Congress does not formally authorize the use or funding for modifications.