Trump considers Qatari plane gift despite concerns

Tuesday 13 May 2025 - 08:31

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump considers Qatari plane gift despite concerns

Donald Trump recently called it "stupid" to reject the offer of a Qatari plane, currently in the United States, to replace Air Force One. According to flight tracking data, the jet has been parked at San Antonio International Airport since April 3. Earlier this year, the president visited the Boeing 747-8, which is set to be a gift from Qatar's royal family. Despite some reservations about accepting such an expensive $400 million ($303 million) gift, Trump expressed his appreciation, saying, "I would never turn down that kind of an offer."

The jet’s arrival has sparked ethical and security concerns. Critics warn that accepting the gift could pose significant legal, counterintelligence, and security risks, potentially tarnishing Air Force One’s status as a symbol of American power. In response, Trump assured the public that he would donate the jet to a future presidential library after his term ends.

Nevertheless, opposition remains strong, even from within his own party. Senator Josh Hawley argued that the plane should be made in the United States, while Senator Rand Paul simply rejected the idea. Some of Trump’s most loyal supporters have also voiced opposition to the move.

Trump’s decision on the plane may come under further scrutiny during his upcoming Middle East trip, which will include a stop in Qatar. Security experts have raised concerns about modifying the Qatari jet, as it may not meet the necessary standards for presidential use, especially regarding security and communications. Experts also warned that the jet might harbor surveillance devices, which would take years to detect.