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The Pentagon confirmed Tuesday it has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from the Qatari government to serve as a new Air Force One for President Donald Trump, triggering fierce bipartisan concerns over national security, ethics, and constitutional law.
The plane, described as a “flying palace” and estimated to be worth between $200 to $400 million, is reportedly being prepped for Trump’s use within the year, despite ongoing legal and logistical challenges. The aircraft is also expected to become part of Trump’s presidential library post-administration.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department accepted the plane “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” while declining to detail how the gift from a foreign government cleared constitutional and procedural scrutiny.
Yet officials familiar with the process revealed the deal is not finalized, and questions remain about its legality under the Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
Bipartisan Criticism Over Potential Influence, Security Gaps
The reaction from both sides of the aisle has been swift and skeptical.
“That’s a pretty strange offer,” said Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), while Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)called the move “naked corruption.”
Schumer introduced legislation to block the use of any foreign aircraft as Air Force One and freeze funding for modifications or maintenance, saying the move undermines presidential independence and U.S. security.
“Today marks a dark day in history,” Schumer said. “This unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the president and cannot go unanswered.”
Meanwhile, prominent Trump ally Laura Loomer blasted the move on social media, calling it “such a stain” on the Trump administration. “I’m so disappointed,” she wrote.
Even former Vice President Mike Pence questioned the constitutionality of the gift on NBC’s Meet the Press, warning, “It’s inconsistent with our security, with our intelligence needs. And my hope is the president reconsiders it.”
Costly Refits and Classified Modifications
Though the plane is valued in the hundreds of millions, retrofitting it to meet Air Force One standards could cost up to $1 billion and take several years, according to U.S. defense officials.
Officials say the jet would need significant reconstruction to include secure communications, electronic countermeasures, onboard defense systems, and the capacity for in-air refueling — a requirement that might be waived if Trump opts to expedite deployment.
“It’s up to him about how secure and safe he wants to be,” said a Democratic congressional aide.
The Air Force has not disclosed which contractors will modify the plane, how much it will cost, or how long the work will take — all details reportedly classified, unlike typical Air Force One contracts.
Workarounds and Political Fallout
Trump could use a $3 billion Pentagon discretionary fund to finance the retrofit without direct congressional approval, though critics warn that would divert resources from military emergency needs.
Any reallocation of more than $100 million would typically require a congressional reprogramming request. While those are often approved, a request tied to this jet would likely face intense scrutiny.
The House is also preparing a resolution invoking the Foreign Emoluments Clause in a move to halt the acceptance of the plane. Meanwhile, Schumer has begun blocking DOJ nominations in protest, demanding further transparency and legal clarity.
Despite the blowback, Trump has brushed off concerns. During a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, when Ramaphosa joked, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” Trump responded, “I wish you did.”
Before traveling to Qatar last week, Trump praised the gift: “I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’” he said. “But that would be foolish.”
