NewsHail
22 May 2025
The US has taken a plane from Qatar. It is meant for the Air Force One fleet. This gift has caused a lot of talk. Even some of President Trump's strong supporters are upset.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on Wednesday, “The defense secretary has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar. This was done by the rules.”
The plane still needs work. It must be changed before it can carry the president.
The White House says the gift is legal. But many people were shocked when the news came out last week.
The plane came from the royal family in Qatar. It is worth about $400 million. The White House says the plane will go to Trump’s library after he leaves office.
The plane must get new safety tools and other changes. That could take years and cost a lot of money.
Last week, Trump said, “They’re giving us a gift.” He also said it would be “stupid” to say no.
But there is a rule in the US Constitution. It says officials can't take gifts from other countries unless Congress says yes. Congress has not said yes to this gift.
Trump says it’s fine because the plane is for the Defense Department, not for him. He also said he won’t use it after he leaves office.
Right now, Air Force One uses two 747 jets from 1990. It also has some smaller 757 planes.
