Trump, Air Force One and Qatar
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The nation of Qatar offered the Trump administration a Boeing 747-8 for use as Air Force One. Trump called the plane a "gift," in a post on his social media site, Truth Social. A representative of the administration clarified that Qatar "has offered to donate a plane to the Department of Defense," not to Trump himself.
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
Trump’s plan to accept free Air Force One replacement from Qatar raises ethical and security worries
Trump said accepting a luxury 747 from Qatar is a no-brainer. But critics say the plan threatens to turn a symbol of American power into a collection of legal and counterintelligence concerns.
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Audacy on MSNJet gift from Qatar's royal family to Donald Trump will require billions of dollars and retrofitting to serve as Air Force OnePresident Donald Trump thinks it would be “stupid” to turn down a free airplane from Qatar. However, some experts have already warned that the plane could end up costing billions to retrofit and maintain.
President Donald Trump defended Qatar gifting the U.S. a jet to use as Air Force One as the new fleet is still under construction.
President Trump’s confirmation that the United States may accept a presidential aircraft gifted from Qatar marked the latest escalation in his clash with Boeing.