ARLINGTON, Va. – The federal government accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to use as Air Force One according to the Defense Department.
A spokesperson said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accepted the Boeing 747 from the Middle Eastern country in accordance with all federal rules and regulations. They said the DOD will work to ensure proper security measures are considered for an aircraft used to transport President Donald Trump.
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer said May 13th on The Flag he wasn’t concerned about President Trump wanting to receive the plane from the Qatari royal family.
“We took the Statue of Liberty from France and we show it off every day. For some people, that is the problem is that what’s the expectation in return? It could very well be that they’re just grateful that this president hasn’t just treated them like pariahs,” Cramer explained.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on May 13.
But some are raising ethical issues about receiving such a jet.
“The gift to the president of a new Air Force One by Qatar is unconstitutional under the Emoluments Clause,” White House Ethics Lawyer under President George W. Bush and University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painter posted on X on May 11.
The clause prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts, offices or titles from foreign governments without Congress’ consent.
Trump recently explained on Truth Social why he believes the plane is needed.
“It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive,” wrote Trump.
Cramer says it will cost money to renovate and check the plane for bugs. He adds Trump has tried to get a new Air Force One since his first term.
