Foreign Gift of Jet to Trump Sparks Outrage \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar for presidential use, drawing bipartisan criticism over potential constitutional violations. Trump defended the move as a cost-saving gesture, though the retrofit could exceed $1 billion. Lawmakers say the gift may breach rules on foreign gifts and undermine U.S. dignity.
Quick Looks
- Qatar donates Boeing 747 to U.S. for Trump
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepts on Pentagon’s behalf
- Trump says move saves taxpayer money on Air Force One
- Critics cite constitutional concerns over foreign gifts
- Plane dubbed “palace in the sky” by observers
- Retrofitting for security will be expensive and slow
- Pentagon says acceptance followed federal regulations
- Some Republicans join Democrats in raising red flags
- Air Force preparing classified contract for modifications
- Trump says jet will go to a future library
- Air Force One program already has two operational jets
- Ramaphosa jokes during Oval Office meeting with Trump
Deep Look
The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft donated by Qatar has been officially accepted for use by President Donald Trump as an alternative Air Force One, setting off a storm of bipartisan backlash and renewed questions about the legality of accepting gifts from foreign governments.
The announcement was made by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who emphasized that the Defense Department would “ensure proper security measures” before the plane is used to transport the president. Parnell stated that the aircraft was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” though he did not offer details about the legal rationale.
Trump’s Justification: “A Gift to Save Money”
Trump first referenced the Qatari jet during his recent Middle East trip, where the aircraft was reportedly offered by the Qatari royal family. In characteristic style, the former president defended the decision in a social media post:
“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE?”
The president emphasized that the aircraft was given to the United States Air Force, not to him personally, and claimed that the donation would reduce costs amid delays in Boeing’s development of new presidential jets.
Trump also said the plane wouldn’t serve him after his current term and would instead be donated to a future presidential library, similar to how President Ronald Reagan’s retired 707 is displayed in California.
Critics Call Move “Unconstitutional and Wasteful”
While Trump argues the move is fiscally responsible, legal experts and lawmakers across party lines are sounding alarms. The U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without the consent of Congress.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth delivered an especially scathing rebuke during a Senate hearing, calling the move:
“A dangerous course of action…not only unconstitutional but humiliating for our country.”
She noted the estimated $1 billion it could cost taxpayers to retrofit the Qatari plane with the advanced communications, defense, and life-support systems required for a presidential aircraft—systems already integrated into the two currently operational Air Force One jets.
“Far from saving money, this will be a monumental waste,” Duckworth added.
Military and Legal Logistics in Question
The Air Force acknowledged that the aircraft will need “significant” modifications to meet national security and command standards. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink testified that preparations are underway to award a classified contract for the retrofit.
Though officials are tight-lipped about the security specifications, sources confirm the process will likely take several years and cost hundreds of millions, making the “gift” more complex than it seems.
Meanwhile, the move bypassed traditional Congressional oversight and transparency procedures typically required when accepting military equipment from foreign nations.
Pentagon’s Defense and Ramaphosa’s Reaction
At a press conference, Pentagon officials insisted that the transfer adhered to proper protocol. Yet, they failed to explain whether Congress had been notified or consulted, or how the Emoluments Clause was addressed.
The controversy gained even more attention during Trump’s Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who humorously remarked, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” after Trump spoke about the donation.
“If your country was offering the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it,” Trump replied, doubling down on his position.
Larger Implications: A Break with Precedent
Beyond the constitutional and financial questions, the gesture raises deeper concerns about foreign influence and the precedent it sets for U.S. diplomatic conduct. Foreign gifts of this magnitude are virtually unheard of—and certainly not without Congressional review.
Legal analysts argue that this could open the door to foreign governments gaining political favor through extravagant offerings to the U.S. president or government institutions.
The optics are also troubling for many. A “palace in the sky” gifted by one of the world’s wealthiest monarchies—especially one with a strategic interest in U.S. foreign policy—raises uncomfortable questions about neutrality and independence.
What Comes Next
While there’s been no formal legal challenge yet, Democratic lawmakers are considering legislation to block the use of the aircraft unless it’s approved by Congress. Some Republicans, wary of the precedent, have indicated they may support such a move.
If the plane is ultimately retrofitted and used, it could become the most controversial aircraft in U.S. presidential history.
In the meantime, the Air Force continues to await Boeing’s delayed delivery of two new Air Force One planes—jets that were part of a long-term procurement project designed to modernize the presidential fleet without controversy.
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