The United States has officially accepted Qatar’s gift of a Boeing 747 to serve as the new Air Force One, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday, despite ongoing controversy over the ethical and constitutional implications of such a donation.
President Trump has dismissed the criticism surrounding the acceptance of the $400 million aircraft, including objections raised by both Democrats and some Republicans. He called the concerns over the gift unfounded and said it would be “stupid” to reject a brand-new presidential aircraft.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally accepted the plane, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said the process followed all applicable federal laws and regulations. The Pentagon will now assess and modify the aircraft to meet the security and operational requirements necessary for transporting the President of the United States.
This aircraft, valued at 100 times more than all other presidential gifts from foreign governments combined since 2001, has triggered concern among legal experts and lawmakers. The U.S. Constitution bars government officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval to prevent influence or conflicts of interest.
Trump maintains that the aircraft is not a personal gift but one made to the Department of Defense, which will use it during his presidency before transferring it to his presidential library after he leaves office.
The announcement about the jet came shortly before Trump’s recent trip to the Persian Gulf. Since then, the aircraft has become a source of international commentary. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jokingly remarked to Trump, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.” Trump replied, “I wish you did. If your country offered the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it.”
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