Adapted by:
Alejandro Alcolea
Writer
Alba Mora
WriterAs the presidential plane, Air Force One is one of the main air transports for the U.S., alongside the Nightwatch, which is designed for emergencies. The iconic Air Force One is essentially a flying fortress, but it’s time for an upgrade. According to reports, President Donald Trump is set to receive its replacement “for free.”
The Qatari royal family is reportedly set to provide the new aircraft. Trump hasn’t denied the news, which has ignited a heated debate in American politics, even among those who typically support the president.
An update was needed. The current presidential aircraft, a Boeing VC-25, has been in service for an impressive 35 years. Although planes usually have a long service life, the maintenance costs for this aircraft were becoming impractical. In January 2015, the Air Force announced plans for a replacement, selecting a Boeing 747-8 as the new Air Force One.
Officially designated as VC-25B, the Air Force made a deal with Boeing to purchase two 747-8 jets that were initially intended for a Russian airline but were never delivered. This decision has resulted in cost savings on the initial purchase. More importantly, it’s also streamlined the process of retrofitting the planes with the necessary equipment and security features, as well as constructing an appropriate hangar for them.
The current Air Force One.
Trump said no. In December 2016, before assuming the presidency, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the costs associated with the Air Force One program. “Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!” he shared on social media.
The Boeing 747-8 features significant technological and aerodynamic improvements and is one of the world’s longest passenger aircraft. Additionally, being manufactured in the U.S., it was a natural choice for the new presidential aircraft. Although it was initially estimated to enter service in 2024, several delays and issues have extended the timeline to at least 2027.
This is when Qatar’s royal family enters the scene.
A royal gift. Trump is embarking on a series of state trips. As in his previous term, his first destination will be Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This itinerary makes sense due to shared interests in economics and geopolitics. These Middle East countries invest billions in U.S. armaments, while U.S. bases in the region are crucial for maintaining influence in Asia. Beyond these deals, Trump may also return with a new presidential plane.
According to NBC, Trump will receive a luxurious Boeing 747-8 as a gift from the Qatari royal family. A White House official confirmed that Qatar has proposed donating a plane to the Defense Department. However, this won’t be accepted during the president’s visit.
The Qatari press department provided additional details: “The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, but the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
Reactions. The U.S. political arena has reacted quickly to this decision. Democratic representatives have criticized it, calling for investigations into what they describe as a “flying grift” and “the most valuable gift ever conferred on a President by a foreign government.”
The aircraft in question is valued at around $300 to $400 million. Some have responded with sarcasm, including Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom,” he shared on his X account.
Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) has taken a stronger stance, labeling the move as “farcically corrupt” and “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Not bribery. Critics argue that this situation needs to be presented to and approved by Congress, as outlined in the emoluments clause of the Constitution. This clause prohibits the president and other federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. However, the nuance here is that this wouldn’t be a gift to Trump personally but rather to the Department of Defense.
Speaking anonymously to NBC, a former Justice Department official pointed out that “bribery requires a corrupt intent to influence an official act.” If this kind of intent is present, then the gift would violate federal law.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws.” She added, “President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency.”
Trump himself addressed the matter on his social media platform, Truth, referring to Qatar’s 747-8 as a temporary replacement for Air Force One.
Click on the image to view the original post on Truth.
After the term. White House lawyers told ABC News that it’s “legally permissible” to accept the donation of the plane based on the fine print of the agreement. According to this agreement, the Qatari government will donate the plane to the Department of Defense for use as Air Force One. However, before the end of the president’s term in 2029, the plane is set to be donated again to Trump’s presidential library.
This arrangement would allow Trump to continue using the plane as a private aircraft after leaving office. This plan has sparked controversy, with organizations advocating for accountability and ethics in Washington expressing their outrage.
“It is ridiculous. It’s a gift to Trump. The federal government is a pass-through,” government ethics expert Kathleen Clark told CNN. Even far-right activist Laura Loomer has criticized the idea in her own way, saying, “We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
Click on the image to view the original post on X.
A “security nightmare.” Although it’s not official yet, there’s considerable buzz surrounding Qatar’s potential gift. Law enforcement sources told CNN that if this move takes place, it’ll be a “security nightmare.” The Air Force will need to dismantle the aircraft to inspect it for surveillance equipment and ensure that no items could compromise its integrity.
Additionally, modifications would be needed for presidential use. “It takes a great deal of work to have encrypted communications and manage the military and federal government from anywhere around the world in any circumstance,” Richard Aboulafia, managing director at aerospace consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, told CNN.
Former defense officials highlighted to AP News that Air Force One aircraft are heavily modified. Although the Qatari plane will have secure communications and classified elements, it’ll be more limited than a purpose-built aircraft.
In other words, the plane that the Qatari royal family intends to donate would be in good condition, but the Air Force would have to make extensive changes. This includes armoring it, installing its communication systems, and checking for any potential security breaches.
Image | Jan Rosolino
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