Washington: The United States has formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jetliner from Qatar, prompting the Pentagon to explore options for rapidly upgrading the aircraft for potential use as a new Air Force One for former President Donald Trump, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accepted the jet on behalf of the United States for use as Trump’s official presidential aircraft, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted that the Department of Defense “will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered.”
The acceptance of the aircraft has stirred legal and political debate in Washington. Legal experts have raised questions about U.S. laws regulating gifts from foreign governments, which are designed to prevent corruption and undue influence. Democrats have also moved to oppose the aircraft transfer.
“Today marks a dark day in history: the president of the United States of America officially accepted the largest bribe from a foreign government in American history,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
The “unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the presidency and cannot go unanswered,” he added.
Qatar, however, has dismissed concerns surrounding the transaction, and Trump has brushed aside criticism regarding the ethics of the arrangement. He remarked that it would be “stupid” not to accept the 747-8 aircraft.
Originally priced at around $400 million when new, the aircraft is now estimated to be worth just a fraction of that on the secondary market—approximately one-quarter of its original value, according to aviation analysts at Cirium.
Despite its luxurious interior, the 13-year-old aircraft will require extensive modifications to meet national security standards, including the installation of secure communications systems and countermeasures against potential missile threats. Experts also suggest the plane may require fighter jet escorts and could be restricted to domestic flights unless the necessary upgrades are completed.
Senators Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth voiced concerns on Tuesday, warning that retrofitting the aircraft could exceed $1 billion and pose significant national security risks. Duckworth emphasized that the U.S. already possesses two fully operational Air Force One jets, questioning the need for the Qatari addition.
“Any civilian aircraft will take significant modifications,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers at a Senate hearing. “We will make sure we do what’s necessary to ensure security of the aircraft.”
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Meink confirmed that the Air Force has been directed to begin planning the modification process, although the Pentagon has not released estimates for the cost or the timeline.
These upgrades are likely to be costly, especially given that Boeing’s current project to deliver two new Air Force One jets has already surpassed $5 billion. The existing Air Force One fleet has been in service since 1990 and is long overdue for replacement. The replacement project, initially awarded to Boeing in 2018 under a $3.9 billion contract, has since seen rising costs and extended delays, with delivery now expected in 2027—three years behind schedule. Boeing has also absorbed $2.4 billion in charges tied to the program.
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In February, Trump personally toured the Qatari aircraft at a Florida airport. According to CNN, the Trump administration initially approached Qatar to inquire about acquiring a suitable Boeing 747 for presidential use. Trump later stated that Qatar had proactively offered the aircraft as a “gift”.
Reuters previously reported that defense contractor L3 Harris Technologies has been selected to carry out the overhaul of the 747. Senator Dick Durbin said the aircraft is currently stationed in San Antonio, Texas.
