U.S. Accepts $400M Luxury Jet from Qatar for Presidential Use Amid Controversy

The U.S. Department of Defense has formally accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, intended for use as the presidential aircraft, despite bipartisan concerns over ethical and security issues. The jet, a Boeing 747, is set to serve as the new "Air Force One" to address delays in the delivery of two new aircraft from Boeing. However, the jet will require modifications before it can be used.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, stated in a Wednesday release that the Defense Department had accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal regulations. The department will ensure that the aircraft, intended for presidential transport, meets appropriate security measures and functional requirements. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that a contract is being prepared to modify the Boeing 747 for executive air transport, though details of the contract remain classified. The Air Force, responsible for the modifications, did not respond to inquiries about the timeline for completion.

A source familiar with the matter revealed that while the U.S. has formally accepted the jet, the transaction is not yet finalized, with details still being worked out. Democrats have strongly criticized the acceptance of the jet. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a speech on the Senate floor, described the jet as "the largest gift ever given to a U.S. president by a foreign country in modern history," calling it "outrageous" and highlighting national security risks. He attempted to pass legislation prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to purchase or modify foreign aircraft for the president but was unsuccessful.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concerns about operational safety risks associated with accepting such gifts from foreign governments. She worried about potential pressure to cut corners on safety measures. Senator Mazie Hirono, also a committee member, accused Trump of using the Defense Department to accept and legitimize an unauthorized gift, circumventing constitutional constraints.

Some Republicans also voiced similar concerns. Senator Susan Collins last week stated that the deal raised issues of political espionage, ethics, and constitutional violations. Trump defended the acceptance of the Boeing 747 during a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, stating that it was a good deal. He emphasized that the jet was not for his personal use but for the U.S. Air Force to assist in their needs, given the delays in the delivery of the new "Air Force One" aircraft from Boeing.

Last week, Trump had stated that refusing a free, expensive jet would be foolish. He criticized Boeing for being late in delivering the two new "Air Force One" aircraft, which have been delayed for years. The aerospace and defense company has long been a target of Trump's criticism. The new Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink, testified before the Armed Services Committee that the jet would require significant modifications to become the new "Air Force One," but the Air Force has the capability to make the necessary changes.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, defended the government's actions, insisting that the gesture was not a bribe and that such arrangements are normal between allies. He expressed confusion over why the transaction was perceived as a bribe or an attempt by Qatar to gain influence through the current administration.