Wafric News – May 12, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. Department of Defense intends to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. Trump described the multimillion-dollar aircraft as a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” and said the process will be “very public and transparent.”

The aircraft, reportedly originating from the Qatari Ministry of Defense, is expected to be transferred to the Pentagon, where it would undergo significant retrofitting and upgrades for presidential use. According to those familiar with the arrangement, the plane could be deployed during a potential second Trump term and later donated to Trump’s presidential library.

Trump is scheduled to begin an international trip Monday, with Doha, Qatar included among the stops — a development that adds weight to the timing of the announcement.

The Boeing 747-8 jet, valued at approximately $400 million, is one of the most expensive aircraft ever considered for use by a U.S. president through a foreign donation. While officials on the Qatari side insist the transaction is between two governments, not a personal gift to Trump, legal and security experts are sounding alarms.

A senior official familiar with internal discussions says the U.S. Secret Service and intelligence agencies are concerned about potential surveillance equipment and vulnerabilities onboard. The plane would need to undergo a thorough security sweep, likely involving the White House Communications Agency and intelligence partners.

A spokesperson for Qatar's U.S. mission confirmed that the aircraft transfer is under review by legal teams in both nations and no final decision has been made.

Criticism over the deal was swift. Opponents argue that the acceptance of such a valuable gift from a foreign government could violate the U.S. Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits presidents from receiving benefits from foreign states without congressional approval.

Ethics experts say the structure of the transaction — where the jet is formally given to the Pentagon — appears to be a legal workaround. However, critics argue that this still effectively makes the U.S. government a proxy recipient for Trump. “It’s a gift to Trump in all but name,” said one legal analyst.

This isn’t the first time Trump has faced scrutiny under the emoluments clause. While previous lawsuits were dismissed after his first term ended, some watchdog groups warn that history may be repeating itself with even higher financial stakes.

While Trump dismissed the criticism on his social media platform, the backlash isn’t limited to political rivals. Some voices within his own base have also expressed concern. A known conservative activist who recently met with Trump at the White House said she remains loyal to him but called the reported deal a “stain” on his administration if confirmed.

The jet at the center of the controversy has reportedly been parked in San Antonio, Texas, for weeks. Trump and several advisers toured the plane earlier this year at a private airport in Florida. Following the visit, Trump was said to be impressed by the aircraft's opulence and modern capabilities.

Trump’s interest in replacing Air Force One is longstanding. During his presidency, he pushed for new jets to be developed under a $3.9 billion contract with Boeing. But that effort has been plagued by years of delays, missed deadlines, and billions in reported losses.

The two current presidential aircraft, known as VC-25A, have been in service since 1990. The new replacements, designated VC-25B, are not expected to be ready before 2027 — five years later than originally planned.

Trump has publicly voiced his frustration, even suggesting he might bypass the Boeing program altogether by purchasing a used aircraft and having it refurbished privately — a plan that now appears to align with the Qatari offer.

Experts warn that retrofitting a civilian jet for presidential use is not a simple task. The aircraft must serve as a secure flying command center, capable of encrypted global communications and defense measures against everything from missile attacks to electromagnetic pulses.

“You can buy the plane,” said one aerospace analyst. “But transforming it into Air Force One takes time, expertise, and massive investment.”

As the plane sits grounded in Texas and legal teams debate its fate, the situation raises deeper questions about precedent, influence, and presidential power. Whether the aircraft becomes the next Air Force One or a political flashpoint, the implications are already flying far beyond the runway.