The Pentagon has officially confirmed that former President Trump has accepted a jet from Qatar.
Trump accepts Qatar’s boeing 747 gift as stopgap Air Force One
President Donald Trump has officially accepted a Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar, which will be temporarily refitted to serve as Air Force One.
The Pentagon confirmed the transfer this week, stating the gift complies with federal regulations.
“The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Fox News.
They added: “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States. For additional information, we refer you to the United States Air Force.”
Pentagon stresses compliance amid rising security fears
The U.S. Air Force will oversee refitting the aircraft to meet the complex needs of a presidential transport. But security concerns emerged quickly.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warned of “significant espionage and surveillance problems.” Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, called the gift “blatantly unconstitutional” and said it raises troubling legal and ethical concerns.
He criticized Qatar’s ties to Hamas, saying the nation “is not a great ally” and the deal “puts the president’s safety at risk.”
Trump defends the move and mocks critics as “crooked democrats”
When asked about the controversy, Trump defended the decision at a press event, stating, “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay, and it’s a great thing.”
In a heated exchange with a journalist, Trump dismissed criticism and claimed Democrats were simply trying to block a smart, cost-saving solution. “You’re a terrible reporter,” he added.
On Truth Social, Trump posted, “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… so bothers the Crooked Democrats… The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
Qatar’s offer comes as Boeing delays Air Force One replacements again
The gift coincides with major delays in Boeing’s development of two new Air Force One planes. Trump originally negotiated a \$3.9 billion fixed-price deal with Boeing in 2018 to replace the aging fleet.
Those jets were due in 2024. Instead, they’re now five years behind schedule and \$2.5 billion over budget. The Qatar plane would serve temporarily until the new aircraft are ready.
Previously, Trump says he’d be ‘stupid’ to turn down Qatar’s offer.
Trump said refusing the offer would have been foolish.
“I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’ ” he told reporters. “I thought it was a great gesture.”
Additionally, Trump also claimed Qatar’s gift benefits the defense department – not him.
The president emphasized that the Boeing 747 from Qatar is not a personal gift but one offered to the U.S. military.
“I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much and would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,” he added.
He added that the plane would be decommissioned after his term ends. It will then be placed in his presidential library, like the one at Reagan’s.
Trump emphasized the aircraft is for temporary use only. The Department of Defense will use it to meet urgent presidential travel needs.
Constitutional questions and political backlash over foreign gift
Despite Trump’s assurances, lawmakers raised constitutional red flags.
Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said accepting a $400 million aircraft from a foreign power creates serious legal problems.
“Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency,” said a joint statement from Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Coons, Cory Booker, and Chris Murphy.
They warned the move undermines public trust, invites foreign influence, and raises national security issues.
Additionally, House Democrat Joe Courtney added that retrofitting Qatar’s plane could hinder Boeing’s new Air Force One development.