Pentagon Accepts $400M Jet Gift from Qatar for Use as Air Force One

In a surprising and controversial move, the U.S. Department of Defense has accepted a $400 million Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for use as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s term, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The aircraft, a luxury jet gifted during Trump’s recent Middle East visit, is expected to undergo significant retrofitting to meet the rigorous security and mission requirements of presidential transport. Trump has said the jet will eventually be transferred to his presidential library after his term ends.

“This gift has been accepted in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, on May 21. The Defense Department is now tasked with ensuring the aircraft meets necessary security protocols.

However, the donation has sparked immediate backlash from U.S. lawmakers. Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed slammed the acceptance, calling it a “brazen attempt to evade constitutional limits” on foreign gifts to officials without congressional oversight. He urged the Pentagon’s inspector general to investigate.

Retrofitting the aircraft is expected to be both expensive and time-consuming, especially as existing replacements for the aging Air Force One fleet are already years behind schedule. The Air Force noted that the upcoming modification contract remains classified due to security concerns.

At a White House press conference on May 21 with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump dismissed criticism, calling it “fake news” and praised Qatar’s gift. “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, and it’s a great thing,” he said. Ramaphosa jokingly responded, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”