The Qatar jet Air Force One gift has cleared Pentagon review and now serves as the president’s temporary aircraft. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed off on the transfer, fulfilling President Trump’s call for a new jet after years of Boeing delays.
Moreover, Pentagon officials confirmed the aircraft met all federal guidelines. They said the Department of Defense will install basic security and communications upgrades before putting the plane into service.
At a White House event with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Trump praised the Qatar jet Air Force One gift. He called the jet “a great thing” and defended his decision amid bipartisan scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Boeing has postponed delivering its new presidential planes until at least 2027. Trump has repeatedly criticized those setbacks and insisted the United States deserves its most impressive jet.
Critics from both parties voiced concerns about ethics and national security. They questioned whether accepting such a gift violates the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause. Unless it undergoes major refitting, the jet lacks the advanced defense systems standard on Air Force One.
Still, Qatar’s prime minister described the transfer as a routine gesture between strategic partners. He emphasized that the gift aimed solely at bolstering ties, not political influence.
Under the arrangement, the Qatari jumbo jet will bridge the gap while Boeing finishes modifications on its new Air Force One fleet. Trump said he will retire the jet once the official planes enter service. Reports suggest the aircraft could eventually display at a future presidential library.
Observers note the unusual nature of using a foreign government’s plane for presidential transport. They warn that the arrangement blurs lines between official duties and personal diplomacy. Nevertheless, the White House insists lawyers vetted the deal thoroughly.
As the Qatar jet Air Force One anchor temporarily in Texas, engineers will begin the retrofit process. Meanwhile, the current presidential 747s will continue carrying first families and key staff.
In the coming months, the Air Force will finalize the upgrade contract, though exact timelines remain classified. Officials expect the jet to handle domestic missions and select international trips once secure communications systems arrive.
Ultimately, the acceptance of this luxury jet underscores the administration’s urgent need and highlights the complexities of presidential logistics in today’s geopolitical landscape.
