Biden administration involved in talks over Qatar plane as future Air Force One backup

A potential international aircraft transfer has drawn renewed attention to U.S. presidential travel and presidential library planning.

According to Breitbart, the Biden administration has been engaged in discussions for the past year with the government of Qatar to temporarily acquire a Boeing 747 for Air Force One backup use, with a long-term plan for the jet to eventually be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by early 2029.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., highlighted the negotiations during recent public comments. He emphasized that the talks to obtain the aircraft had originated during President Joe Biden’s tenure, not under former President Donald Trump. Mullin expressed concern over the aging Air Force One fleet, calling attention to the age and condition of the primary aircraft and the lack of a viable backup.

“The President of the United States is flying around on a 40-year-old plane,” Mullin said. He added that the original backup aircraft faced structural problems, making it unfit for service. According to Mullin, the deal to source a replacement aircraft from Qatar has been quietly progressing for about a year.

Air Force One Age Renews Safety Concerns

The aircraft in question is a 13-year-old Boeing 747, which, according to several sources, would be initially owned and modified by the U.S. Air Force. The plane would need to undergo updates to meet federal military standards. These modifications are part of the transition to ensure the jet can operate securely as a temporary presidential aircraft if needed.

According to reports from ABC News, once the aircraft's use as a backup for Air Force One concludes, the plan is for ownership to be handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. This specific transfer is scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2029. The U.S. Air Force would fund the cost of transferring the jet to the foundation.

Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the matter, noting on Truth Social that the military is receiving the aircraft “free of charge.” He framed the conversation as a partisan issue and criticized individuals questioning the arrangement. “They’re giving us a free jet,” Trump said when asked whether the gift could be seen as inappropriate.

Trump Pushes Back Against Gift Concerns

In a public exchange with an ABC News reporter, Trump dismissed any critique surrounding the deal. “You’re ABC fake news, right?” he asked before continuing his response. “Let me tell you, you should be embarrassed asking that question.”

Trump added that the U.S. had a choice to either accept the aircraft or reject it in favor of spending large amounts of taxpayer dollars. He framed the scenario as one of fiscal responsibility. “I could say, ‘No, no, no…I want to pay you a billion or $400 million,’ or I could say, ‘Thank you very much,’” he said.

Questions over whether the aircraft constitutes a gift from Qatar have been answered by representatives from the Gulf nation. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché to the U.S., publicly addressed the claims, saying that reports of a “gift” during any Trump-related U.S. visit were inaccurate.

Qatar: Aircraft Transfer Remains Under Review

Al-Ansari cited ongoing legal discussions between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. He noted that no final arrangement had been made. “The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration,” Al-Ansari stated.

The legal departments of both nations are continuing to examine the framework of the deal. Until both sides reach a formal agreement, the Boeing 747 remains under the purview of the Qatari government. U.S. officials have not confirmed any timeline for when the agreement may close.

Mullin criticized what he perceived to be a media oversight, arguing that coverage of the aircraft deal has not accurately reflected the Biden administration’s role. “No one’s discussing that part,” he said, referencing the structural issues with the current backup jet and the long duration of the current talks.

Transparency Debate Surrounds Long-Term Jet Deal

The aircraft’s eventual transfer to Trump’s presidential foundation has opened debate over transparency, with critics questioning the nature of the donation. Trump insists the transaction is open and above board, while some Democrats argue for greater scrutiny of the arrangement.

Though the Trump Presidential Library Foundation is the intended recipient of the aircraft, the backup plane would be federally owned and operated in the short term. During that time, it would be tasked with supporting presidential security needs in light of the current aircraft's age.

The U.S. Air Force remains responsible for both all modifications needed to meet federal standards and the eventual cost of transferring the jet to the Trump Foundation. This has prompted some analysts to question the deal’s long-term cost-effectiveness and implications for precedent.

Future Use of Jet Still Not Finalized

While some critics raise alarms over the optics of former presidents receiving federal assets, supporters argue the moves are logistically necessary. The aging fleet of presidential aircraft and growing maintenance concerns warrant attention, they say.

For now, the deal has not been finalized as legal teams from both the U.S. and Qatar continue to evaluate the terms. Until then, the 747 remains undelivered and unmodified.

The outcome of these negotiations could set an important example for how future administrations and presidential foundations coordinate major asset transfers and how that cooperation is interpreted by the public. The story is ongoing as both countries continue to weigh their legal and strategic positions.