The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that it has formally accepted a Boeing 747 luxury aircraft from the government of Qatar, which President Donald Trump has said will be converted into a new Air Force One during his presidency.
“The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.”
The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, is among the most expensive gifts ever received by the U.S. government. It will undergo extensive retrofitting before it can serve as the president’s official aircraft—modifications that national security experts estimate could exceed $1 billion and take several years to complete.
The gift has sparked controversy on Capitol Hill, with both Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans questioning the propriety of accepting such a high-value item from a foreign government. Critics say the move could undermine U.S. ethics laws and raise questions about foreign influence over the Trump administration.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA). “We shouldn’t be in the business of accepting luxury gifts from foreign powers.”
Concerns have also emerged over the security implications of converting a used foreign aircraft for presidential use. “Any civilian aircraft will take significant modifications,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told the Senate this week, adding that the Air Force would take all necessary steps to ensure security and functionality.
President Trump has repeatedly defended the arrangement, calling the gift a “great gesture” from Qatar’s royal family, who hosted him during a recent Middle East visit. Trump insists the plane will save taxpayers money, as it was not purchased with U.S. funds. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of offer,” Trump said on May 12. “I could be a stupid person and say no—but I thought it was a great gesture.”
He has also stated the aircraft will eventually be donated to his presidential library after he leaves office.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani denied that the donation was intended to curry favor with the White House. “We are a country that values strong partnerships,” he said Monday. “Anything we provide is out of mutual respect.”
While the Air Force confirmed it would proceed with the necessary modifications, officials have not released a timeline or further technical details. Congressional oversight of the conversion process remains uncertain.
