President Donald Trump has criticized the outdated Air Force One while teasing future replacements, sparking bipartisan scrutiny over a Qatari gift.
President trump calls air force one outdated
Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Trump expressed frustration about flying aboard a 42-year-old Boeing after returning from his Middle East tour.
Speaking from the United Arab Emirates, Trump remarked, “I leave now and get onto a 42-year-old Boeing. But new ones are coming. New ones are coming”.
His comment follows growing scrutiny over plans to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar as a potential replacement aircraft.
Trump’s Qatar jet plans spark backlash
While promoting U.S. aviation, Trump reignited backlash over his reported willingness to accept a luxury aircraft gifted by Qatar.
That plane—dubbed a “$400 million palace on wings”—has drawn fire from lawmakers worried about foreign influence and legal implications.
Trump previously said “only a fool” would reject such a jet, raising concern about ethical boundaries and presidential optics.
President Trump insists accepting Qatar’s $400 million Boeing jet benefits the country and avoids taxpayer burden.
In an interview with Sean Hannity aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed the current Air Force One is outdated.
He said it lacks the grandeur of jets used by nations like Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
Trump pointed out that Air Force One is almost 40 years old. He said it appears “much less impressive” compared to the planes from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
“You know, we’re the United States of America. I believe that we should have the most impressive plane” Trump said.
“Now, some people say, ‘oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift? We’re giving to everybody else? Why wouldn’t I accept the gift?” The president said to Hannity.
Bipartisan leaders warn against accepting qatar’s $400 million plane
Republican leaders, including Senator John Thune and Senator Rand Paul, spoke out strongly against Trump’s openness to the Qatari gift.
Conservative commentators like Mark Levin and Ari Fleischer echoed concerns, arguing it undermines U.S. independence and constitutional safeguards.
The issue has created rare alignment between establishment Republicans and media influencers, all urging caution on the controversial gift.
Republican leaders, including Senator John Thune and Senator Rand Paul, spoke out strongly against Trump’s openness to the Qatari gift.
It bars presidents from accepting gifts from foreign leaders without Congressional consent.
‘The Constitution in Article II talks about how the president can’t take emoluments or gifts from foreign leaders,’ Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky said on Fox News.
Additionally, he called the optics “not worth the appearance of impropriety.
‘We’re not talking about a ride on the plane; we’re talking about the entire $400 million plane. I think it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety.’ He added.Loyal MAGA influencers expressed rare public dissent.
Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter, condemned the move in stark terms.
“We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits,” she wrote on X.
Additionally, she accused Qatar of supporting Iranian-backed militias and working with Mexican cartels to smuggle extremists into the U.S.
Trump promoted boeing deals and praised its global innovation during trip
Despite tensions with Boeing over delivery delays, Trump praised the aerospace company while attending an event with its CEO in Qatar.
“Boeing makes the best plane, and they’ve had some headaches over the past years,” Trump said
Trump sat beside Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg and announced new defense collaborations, including the upcoming F-47 fighter jet program.
The F-47 is reportedly named in honor of Trump as the 47th president, fueling speculation around defense branding and symbolism.
While praising Boeing, Trump lamented the delay in Air Force One upgrades, expected to be delivered no sooner than 2027.
He floated the idea of awarding Boeing a contract to build a new F-55 fighter jet, though details remain unclear.
Still, Trump has not publicly rejected Qatar’s gift, leaving open questions about whether the controversial jet will be accepted.