On Monday, President Donald Trump expressed gratitude towards Qatar for offering his administration a luxurious gift—a $400 million Boeing 747-8. Trump remarked that he would be a “stupid person” not to accept such a grand gesture, underscoring the aircraft's potential use while awaiting the completion of new planes designed to meet the stringent military specifications required for Air Force One.
However, current and former U.S. military, defense, and Secret Service officials are raising red flags regarding the plane's compliance with existing security standards. A White House official, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that it was too early to determine how long any necessary upgrades to the Qatari jet might take. Moreover, they declined to specify when the Trump administration would officially take possession of the aircraft.
Flight records reveal that the Qatari jet was relocated to San Antonio International Airport five weeks ago, hinting that preparations for potential improvements may already be in motion. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump has directed defense contractor L3Harris to retrofit the Qatari aircraft in Texas. ABC News later confirmed that this lavishly appointed jet, initially intended for the Qatari royal family, would indeed be transferred as a gift to the Trump administration.
Trump highlighted the modern features of the Qatari jet, contrasting it with the aging Air Force One, which dates back to the George H.W. Bush administration in the 1990s. He stated, “You know, we have an Air Force One that’s 40 years old... it’s not even the same ballgame.” The Qatari jet boasts impressive amenities, including two full bathrooms, nine lavatories, a main bedroom, guest accommodations, and multiple lounges, all adorned with luxurious cream and tan leather seating.
Despite its opulence, retrofitting the 13-year-old aircraft to meet current Air Force One standards could take years and involve substantial financial investment. Former officials caution that such an endeavor would likely be unfeasible before Trump’s tenure concludes. The level of scrutiny required for securing a new presidential aircraft is immense, with one former U.S. official describing it as a “flying nuclear-hardened command post.”
Counterintelligence issues complicate matters further, as former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall pointed out the need to ensure that no surveillance devices have been implanted within the aircraft. Retired Secret Service agent Mac Plihcik mentioned that the extensive security features of the Qatari jet would necessitate a thorough examination, stating, “You’d pretty much have to take that plane down to the skeleton and put it back together.”
Trump's interest in the Qatari jet is not new; he inspected the aircraft less than a month after taking office. The plane was brought to Palm Beach International Airport from Doha, and at that time, a White House spokesman noted that Trump was exploring the “new hardware/technology” as Boeing faced delays in delivering the new Air Force Ones.
The contract for the new Air Force One jets, valued at $3.9 billion, has faced numerous challenges, with delays pushing the expected delivery of the first aircraft to at least 2027. Boeing has grappled with significant cost overruns, raising concerns among Pentagon officials about the contractor's ability to meet military standards.
The acceptance of a plane from a foreign government has sparked ethical dilemmas, leading to questions about compliance with the Constitution's emoluments clause. Although critics have voiced concerns, administration officials maintain that the gift adheres to legal standards. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel prepared a memo asserting the permissibility of Trump accepting the jet, which was later endorsed by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Looking ahead, Trump has stated that he will not utilize the Qatari jet after leaving office, proposing instead that it be transferred to his future presidential library. He noted that displaying a decommissioned Air Force One, like the one used by Ronald Reagan, significantly enhanced the library's appeal.
With Trump's acceptance of the Qatari jet, the implications for national security, diplomatic relations, and military logistics remain paramount topics of discussion as the administration navigates this unique and controversial gift.
