ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The U.S. Department of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 aircraft donated by Qatar for potential use as Air Force One, igniting a wave of criticism from lawmakers and ethics experts who warn the move may violate constitutional and national security standards.
Qatar’s Gift Raises Legal and Constitutional Questions
The aircraft, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has raised immediate concerns regarding the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.
“The Secretary of Defence has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. He added that the aircraft will undergo evaluations to meet “security measures and functional-mission requirements” necessary for presidential use. The U.S. Air Force has been tasked with overseeing further assessments.
Critics argue that accepting such a donation could compromise presidential security and potentially breach federal law. Some have also questioned the transparency and precedent such a move sets for future foreign influence in U.S. executive operations.
Trump Defends Move, Dismisses Ethical Concerns
Former President Donald Trump, who is currently seeking re-election, defended the acceptance of the jet during remarks at the White House, calling it a “great gesture” from a close U.S. ally.
“I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person (and) say ‘no we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’” Trump said.
He brushed off legal concerns, suggesting it would be wasteful for the U.S. to reject a high-value gift, particularly one intended to support presidential logistics.
Legislative Pushback from Congress
However, congressional opposition was swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the Presidential Airlift Security Act, a bill aimed at blocking the use of the Qatari aircraft. The legislation would prohibit the Pentagon from spending federal funds on retrofitting any plane previously owned by a foreign nation for use as Air Force One.
“Donald Trump has shown time and again he will sell out the American people and the presidency if it means filling his own pockets,” Schumer said. “Not only would it take billions of taxpayer dollars to even attempt to retrofit and secure this plane, but there’s absolutely no amount of modifications that can guarantee it will be secure.”
While some Republicans have voiced hesitation about the optics and implications of the move, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to commit to bringing the bill to the floor. Schumer, however, is expected to attach the proposal as an amendment to key spending legislation due later this year.
What’s Next?
The U.S. Air Force has not confirmed whether the plane will ultimately be used as Air Force One. Typically, aircraft used to transport the president undergo rigorous security and technological upgrades over several years, a process expected to be even more complex with a donated, foreign-owned jet.
As the political and legal scrutiny deepens, the issue is shaping up to be a focal point in upcoming congressional sessions — and possibly the 2025 presidential campaign.
