Preparations are underway to retrofit a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar, which could soon serve as the new Air Force One for President Donald Trump. This $400 million jet is being given as an "unconditional gift," with the cost of adaptations falling to the US government. Amidst the excitement, critics from both parties have accused the move of appearing like a foreign "bribe." While the White House maintains the legality of this gift, saying it adheres to regulations, the decision has faced backlash from conservatives and liberals alike.
A memorandum of understanding indicates the Pentagon will oversee necessary changes to the aircraft, including enhancing security checks to ensure it is safe from surveillance devices before being used as the presidential transport. Trump has referred to the donation as a "great gesture" but faces scrutiny over its legality, as the US Constitution limits foreign gifts to under $480. Critics, including Senator Adam Schiff, argue this donation contradicts constitutional rules, sparking a heated legal discussion.
In terms of retrofitting costs, experts forecast expenses could potentially climb into the hundreds of millions, if not billions, to install advanced security features. An anonymous defense official speculated funding could be sourced from the Sentinel missile program budget. Meanwhile, Trump plans to house the aircraft in his presidential library upon exiting office, although opinions remain sharply divided on the integrity of this deal.
