The Pentagon’s acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar as a potential Air Force One replacement is raising serious concerns. The sheer audacity of accepting such a lavish gift, especially considering the ongoing ethical debates surrounding lavish gifts, is astounding. This transaction smells strongly of impropriety, appearing more like a substantial bribe than a genuine donation. The timing, coinciding with the completion of new Boeing 747s already commissioned for the same purpose, further fuels this suspicion.
The claim that the retrofitting will take three years is dubious. If two Air Force One replacements are already under construction, why would this jet, even if it were suitable, be completed faster?… Continue reading
The Trump administration has officially accepted a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, intended as a replacement for the delayed Air Force One program. Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed the acceptance, stating compliance with all federal regulations. Despite concerns from experts regarding costs and potential bribery, President Trump defended the gift, citing Boeing’s delays and the plane’s intended use by the U.S. government. However, converting the Qatari jet into a functional Air Force One is projected to cost over $1 billion and take years to complete.
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Following Boeing’s announcement of a two-year delay for new Air Force One jets, former President Trump directed Steve Witkoff to find a replacement. Witkoff initiated talks with Qatar, leading to discussions regarding the purchase or lease of a Qatari government plane. While initially considered a purchase, the plane is now characterized as a $400 million gift, prompting significant bipartisan criticism regarding potential foreign influence and corruption. Legal negotiations surrounding the transfer remain underway.
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Contrary to President Trump’s assertions, the Trump administration, not Qatar, initiated talks to acquire a Qatari Boeing 747-8 for Air Force One, driven by delays in the existing order. These discussions involved the U.S. Department of Defense and Qatar’s Ministry of Defense, exploring both lease and purchase options. While Qatar showed interest, the proposal faces bipartisan ethical concerns in Washington and remains under legal review. Regardless of outcome, significant retrofitting would be required, adding considerable cost and time.
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The Trump administration, facing delays in acquiring new Air Force One planes, initiated contact with Qatar to explore purchasing a Boeing 747. This contradicts Trump’s claim that Qatar offered the plane as a gift. The Pentagon initially contacted Boeing, who suggested Qatar as a potential seller, leading to discussions about leasing or purchasing the aircraft. Despite Trump’s characterization of the deal, legal teams from both countries are still negotiating the terms, and the transaction remains uncertain.
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Lawrence O’Donnell vehemently criticizes President Trump’s purported acceptance of a 13-year-old Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, arguing it represents a humiliating gesture. O’Donnell suggests Middle Eastern leaders view Trump contemptuously, offering him a rejected aircraft deemed unsuitable even for Qatari use. The MSNBC host asserts Trump’s inability to recognize this humiliation, coupled with the billions of dollars and years required for conversion to Air Force One, highlights Trump’s desperation and poor judgment. Ultimately, O’Donnell predicts the deal will fail, leaving Trump’s acquisition of the plane as nothing more than a “demented dream.”
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Qatar offered President Trump a pre-owned, lavishly equipped Boeing 747-8, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, to serve as a temporary Air Force One. This aircraft, originally costing $367 million plus interior upgrades, has been unsold since 2020 despite its luxurious features. Trump argued acceptance would save taxpayer money and bypass delays in Boeing’s new Air Force One delivery, while critics raised ethical and constitutional concerns. The plane would still require substantial modifications to meet Air Force One security standards.
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In June 2017, President Trump publicly stated that Qatar had historically been a high-level funder of terrorism, a claim verifiable through White House archives and contemporaneous news footage. This statement resurfaced in May 2025 amidst reports of Qatar gifting a luxury jet to the U.S. Department of Defense for potential Air Force One refurbishment. The $400 million gift, intended for temporary use and eventual transfer to the Trump Presidential Library, sparked criticism from Democrats. Trump defended the acceptance, emphasizing its cost-saving nature.
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Donald Trump’s planned acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One replacement has sparked widespread bipartisan criticism, despite Trump’s claims of a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE.” The aircraft’s intended transfer to his presidential library upon leaving office raises concerns about potential post-presidency personal use. This incident exemplifies Trump’s acceptance of lavish gifts from foreign entities, potentially fostering quid pro quo relationships and blurring the lines between his personal business interests and U.S. government policy. His extensive business ties in the Gulf region further exacerbate these concerns.
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Former President Trump defended his acceptance of a Boeing 747 from Qatar, framing it as a gift to the US Air Force, not to himself, and a cost-saving measure addressing Boeing’s delays. He rejected criticism, characterizing those opposed as foolish and highlighting social media support for the decision. The plane’s acquisition was presented as justified due to Qatar’s longstanding relationship with the United States. Trump’s statements aimed to deflect criticism regarding the perceived impropriety of accepting such a gift.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker