Defense Dept Accepts Boeing 747 from Qatar for Trump’s Use/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Pentagon accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar for Trump’s presidential travel. Critics call it unconstitutional, citing foreign gift bans and high retrofit costs. Trump claims it will save taxpayers millions.
Qatar Jet Controversy Quick Looks
- Plane Accepted: Boeing 747 luxury jet gifted by Qatar
- Purpose: Intended as Air Force One for President Trump
- Pentagon’s Statement: Acceptance complies with federal rules
- Trump’s Justification: Claims it will save taxpayer money
- Legal Issue: Foreign gifts clause of U.S. Constitution
- Estimated Retrofit Cost: Over $1 billion for modifications
- Democratic Response: Legislation introduced to block use
- GOP Blocked Vote: Sen. Roger Marshall stopped Schumer’s bill
- Current Air Force One: Two fully functional jets in service
- Trump’s Future Plan: Says plane may go to presidential library
Deep Look: Qatar’s Jet Gift to Trump Ignites Constitutional Debate, Pentagon Begins Modifications
WASHINGTON — May 21, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Wednesday that it has formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar for President Donald Trump’s use, sparking a storm of criticism over potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign states.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the jet would be fitted with “proper security measures” and asserted the acceptance was “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.”
Trump has framed the donation — which occurred during his recent trip to the Middle East — as a smart financial move for American taxpayers.
“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for FREE?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
What’s the Plane?
The Boeing 747 in question is a high-end luxury aircraft often referred to as a “palace in the sky,” complete with lavish interiors and high-end technology. It was gifted by the Qatari royal family during Trump’s recent visit to the Gulf nation.
The aircraft is intended to serve as a backup or potential replacement for the new Air Force One fleet — two Boeing 747s ordered in 2018 and still under delayed construction.
Legal and Political Backlash
Trump’s acceptance of the aircraft has drawn swift condemnation from legal scholars, Democrats, and some Republicans, who argue that the gift violates the U.S. Constitution and raises national security concerns.
“This unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the presidency,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Schumer has proposed legislation to block the use of any foreign aircraft as Air Force One.
However, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) objected when Schumer sought unanimous consent for a vote, effectively blocking the bill without explanation.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) argued the aircraft’s retrofit will not only be hugely expensive but will compromise the dignity and independence of the presidency.
“This will cost over $1 billion to make the plane usable and undermines the very idea of American leadership,” Duckworth said.
Pentagon Moving Forward
Despite the uproar, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Air Force to move forward with plans to retrofit the plane for presidential use. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged the aircraft will require “significant” updates to meet classified security standards.
“Any details regarding contracts or modifications are classified,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Trump Responds in Oval Office
During a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump was pressed by reporters about the Qatar jet.
“They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump snapped. “Not to me. To help the country.”
Ramaphosa, sitting beside Trump, joked, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”
What Happens Next?
The legal battle is just beginning. Democrats are expected to push investigations and court challenges, and watchdog groups may also weigh in.
Trump, attempting to blunt the criticism, said the plane would eventually be donated to his presidential library, echoing the fate of President Ronald Reagan’s retired Air Force One, now a centerpiece of the Reagan Library.
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