Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar for President Trump’s use as Air Force One, igniting fierce debate over legality, ethics, and national security amid claims it could cost taxpayers over $1 billion in upgrades.
WASHINGTON (WE) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft from the State of Qatar for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One. The Department of Defense announced the acceptance Wednesday, sparking intense debate about ethics, legality, and national security.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department will implement “proper security measures” to make the aircraft safe for presidential use. He assured that officials accepted the plane “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.” However, critics argue that accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign government may violate the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Emoluments Clause, which bars presidents from receiving gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
The controversy began during Trump’s recent Middle East trip. Qatari officials offered the fully equipped Boeing 747, often called a “palace in the sky.” Trump praised the gift as a way to save taxpayer dollars. On Truth Social, he posted, “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE?”
Despite Trump’s framing, Democrats quickly condemned the move. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, strongly opposed the acceptance during a hearing. She said, “This unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity but will force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion to overhaul this aircraft.” Duckworth pointed out that the U.S. already operates two fully capable Air Force One jets.
The plane, built for VIP use, requires extensive upgrades to meet military and security standards. These upgrades would include advanced communications, missile defense systems, and structural reinforcements. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told Congress on Tuesday that the Air Force has begun planning the modifications. “We are assessing what it will take to meet operational requirements,” Meink said. “The modifications will be significant, and we plan to award a contract soon.” However, he noted the details remain classified.
The Air Force confirmed publicly that it is drafting a contract for the plane’s upgrade but has not revealed the timeline or estimated cost. Pentagon sources estimate the overhaul could exceed $1 billion, contradicting Trump’s claims that the gift would save money.
During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump grew defensive when questioned about the gift. “They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump said sharply. “Not to me, to the United States Air Force, so they could help us out.”
Turning to Ramaphosa, Trump added, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you. If your country was offering a plane to the United States Air Force, I would take it.”
Ramaphosa, who has worked to improve relations with the U.S. amid recent tensions, laughed but gave no further comment.
To ease criticism, Trump later said he would not use the plane after his term ends. Instead, he plans to donate it to a future presidential library. This plan resembles what happened with the Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan, which now sits at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Legal experts remain divided over the gift’s constitutionality. Some argue that since the aircraft was given to the U.S. government, not Trump personally, it may be lawful. Others say the timing and diplomatic nature of the gift clearly breach constitutional rules.
“Even if the jet was given to the government, the fact that it happened during Trump’s diplomatic visit and that he will use it raises serious concerns,” said Norman Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former ethics official under President Obama.
The House Oversight Committee opened an investigation. Committee Chair Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said his office is reviewing documents about the aircraft’s transfer. They plan to call Defense and State Department officials to testify. Republican committee members mostly stayed silent but privately expressed unease.
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“It just looks bad,” said a senior GOP aide who asked not to be named. “Even if legal, it feeds critics’ narratives that Trump cuts corners and breaks rules.”
Trump allies defended the move. Senior advisor Stephen Miller told Fox News the gift shows “diplomacy at work.” Miller claimed Democrats only want political points. “It’s a win-win,” he said. “Qatar shows goodwill, the U.S. gains a valuable asset, and taxpayers avoid costs for a new plane.”
Transparency advocates remain skeptical. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain all communications between Trump officials and Qatar about the plane.
“We need to know if this deal was secret and properly vetted,” said CREW president Noah Bookbinder. “If this gift sets a precedent, other nations might try to buy influence with expensive offerings.”
This controversy arrives while Boeing faces scrutiny over delays in producing new Air Force One replacement jets. Those planes, ordered during Trump’s first term, were expected by 2024 but now likely will arrive in 2026 or later due to supply chain problems and cost overruns.
Trump criticized Boeing in the Oval Office. “Boeing’s a little bit late, unfortunately,” he said, echoing previous complaints about the company’s efficiency.
The gifted Qatar plane reportedly includes gold-plated fixtures, a private bedroom suite, and a full onboard staff. These luxury features appeal to a president who once called his private jet “better than Air Force One.” However, they contrast sharply with the minimalist, utilitarian design of traditional government aircraft.
Whether the plane will serve as a presidential transport or become a museum piece remains unclear. The situation promises more legal and political battles in Washington. Congressional hearings will begin next month, leaving the aircraft’s future uncertain.
