Former President Donald Trump has accepted a Boeing 747 jet from Qatar, which the Pentagon plans to transform into the next Air Force One. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the development, telling Fox News, “The Secretary of Defense has accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar in full compliance with federal laws and regulations. The Department of Defense will ensure that all necessary security and operational protocols are met for the aircraft designated to carry the President of the United States. For more details, please reach out to the U.S. Air Force.”
The decision has ignited debate in Washington. Some lawmakers worry about adapting a foreign aircraft for the president’s secure travel, as well as what Qatar might expect in return.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican and Trump ally, said the plane could pose “major espionage and surveillance risks.” Meanwhile, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent and frequent Trump critic, blasted the move as “an outrageous and unconstitutional acceptance of a $400 million flying palace from Qatar’s royal family.”
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, voiced his concerns about Qatar’s ties to Hamas and how that could jeopardize presidential security. “Qatar isn’t a dependable partner. They’ve backed Hamas, so this is a serious safety concern for the President,” he told reporters last week.
When pressed by reporters at the White House about the new Air Force One arrangement, Trump defended the move. “They’re giving the United States Air Force a plane, and that’s a great thing,” he said, before lashing out at the reporter: “You’re a terrible reporter. You’re not cut out for this job.”
