The donation of the aircraft, estimated at $400 million, raises legal and ethical questions while eliciting criticism across the political spectrum.
Qatar's Jumbo Jet Set to Become Air Force One Amid Controversy
Qatar's Jumbo Jet Set to Become Air Force One Amid Controversy
The US prepares to modify a Qatari 747-8 aircraft, expected to function as Air Force One, generating significant political backlash.
The article text:
Preparations are now underway to modify a Qatari jumbo jet that is anticipated to serve as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, according to CBS News, a partner with the BBC in the US. The Boeing 747-8, valued at a staggering $400 million (£300 million), is being given as an "unconditional" gift from Qatar, with the US government responsible for any necessary retrofitting expenses.
This move has ignited criticism from both Trump's opponents and some supporters, with detractors labeling it a "bribe" from a foreign government. In response, the White House has asserted that accepting the aircraft is lawful and has promised that it will ultimately be transferred to Trump's presidential library following his term. Rules currently stipulate that US officials may only accept gifts below $480 in value.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Qatar and the US Department of Defense, which CBS has reviewed, indicates that the jet will be provided "as is", with the Pentagon tasked with overseeing all modifications required for it to operate as Air Force One. The aircraft will also need to pass thorough security checks to ensure it does not contain surveillance or espionage devices.
The document explicitly states: "Nothing in this MOU shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery or corrupt practice," affirming the donation as a bona fide gift.
Despite these reassurances, the acceptance of the Qatari plane has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum, including from Trump's own conservative base. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro described the situation as "skeezy" on his podcast, implying that Qatar's gift is driven by ulterior motives. Laura Loomer, a prominent right-wing social media figure, has argued that Trump's acceptance of the plane could stain his presidency.
In light of this controversy, the question arises: why is there a need for a new Air Force One? The existing presidential fleet comprises two 747-200 jets that have been in service since 1990, in addition to a set of smaller, less publicly known 757 aircraft. Earlier this year, President Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Boeing regarding two new Air Force One jets he expected to receive, suggesting instead the possibility of acquiring a plane through alternative means.
Legal questions surrounding the acceptance of the aircraft remain. Trump has labeled the Qatar gift as a "great gesture" and deemed turning it down "stupid." However, critics, including California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, have pointed to a section of the US Constitution prohibiting elected officials from accepting significant gifts from foreign entities without Congressional approval. Given that current rules restrict officials from accepting gifts over $480 (£358), the donation magnifies concerns about propriety.
The White House has countered claims of illegality, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that they are continuing to work out the legalities of the donation. "Any donation to the government is always executed in full compliance with the law," she added. Trump suggested that the aircraft would eventually reside at his presidential library, which typically includes archived documents and a privately-funded museum.
As for the retrofitting costs, while the total amount is still undetermined, analysts indicate it could reach extraordinary figures. Included in the modifications will be advanced security systems, mid-flight refueling capabilities, and protection from nuclear electromagnetic pulses. Some defense experts suggest that retrofitting could cost hundreds of millions, possibly even reaching a billion dollars. An anonymous defense official hinted to CBS that funding could potentially be redirected from the overfunded Sentinel system, designed for new land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles to replace outdated Cold War equipment.
Preparations are now underway to modify a Qatari jumbo jet that is anticipated to serve as Air Force One for President Donald Trump, according to CBS News, a partner with the BBC in the US. The Boeing 747-8, valued at a staggering $400 million (£300 million), is being given as an "unconditional" gift from Qatar, with the US government responsible for any necessary retrofitting expenses.
This move has ignited criticism from both Trump's opponents and some supporters, with detractors labeling it a "bribe" from a foreign government. In response, the White House has asserted that accepting the aircraft is lawful and has promised that it will ultimately be transferred to Trump's presidential library following his term. Rules currently stipulate that US officials may only accept gifts below $480 in value.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Qatar and the US Department of Defense, which CBS has reviewed, indicates that the jet will be provided "as is", with the Pentagon tasked with overseeing all modifications required for it to operate as Air Force One. The aircraft will also need to pass thorough security checks to ensure it does not contain surveillance or espionage devices.
The document explicitly states: "Nothing in this MOU shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery or corrupt practice," affirming the donation as a bona fide gift.
Despite these reassurances, the acceptance of the Qatari plane has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum, including from Trump's own conservative base. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro described the situation as "skeezy" on his podcast, implying that Qatar's gift is driven by ulterior motives. Laura Loomer, a prominent right-wing social media figure, has argued that Trump's acceptance of the plane could stain his presidency.
In light of this controversy, the question arises: why is there a need for a new Air Force One? The existing presidential fleet comprises two 747-200 jets that have been in service since 1990, in addition to a set of smaller, less publicly known 757 aircraft. Earlier this year, President Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Boeing regarding two new Air Force One jets he expected to receive, suggesting instead the possibility of acquiring a plane through alternative means.
Legal questions surrounding the acceptance of the aircraft remain. Trump has labeled the Qatar gift as a "great gesture" and deemed turning it down "stupid." However, critics, including California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, have pointed to a section of the US Constitution prohibiting elected officials from accepting significant gifts from foreign entities without Congressional approval. Given that current rules restrict officials from accepting gifts over $480 (£358), the donation magnifies concerns about propriety.
The White House has countered claims of illegality, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that they are continuing to work out the legalities of the donation. "Any donation to the government is always executed in full compliance with the law," she added. Trump suggested that the aircraft would eventually reside at his presidential library, which typically includes archived documents and a privately-funded museum.
As for the retrofitting costs, while the total amount is still undetermined, analysts indicate it could reach extraordinary figures. Included in the modifications will be advanced security systems, mid-flight refueling capabilities, and protection from nuclear electromagnetic pulses. Some defense experts suggest that retrofitting could cost hundreds of millions, possibly even reaching a billion dollars. An anonymous defense official hinted to CBS that funding could potentially be redirected from the overfunded Sentinel system, designed for new land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles to replace outdated Cold War equipment.
