The US government, under President Donald Trump, has confirmed it accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar during Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East. The Pentagon says the plane will be modified and used to transport the President in the future.
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Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the gift followed all legal rules. The White House also said the $400 million aircraft gift is legal. However, many people, especially from the Democratic Party, strongly disagree.
Why Are People Upset?
Democrats are calling it the “largest bribe in American history.” They argue that the US Constitution’s Emoluments Clause bans government officials from accepting gifts from foreign countries unless Congress approves. In this case, Congress has not given any such approval.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said this was a “dark day” and called the act a stain on the presidency. He and other Democrats are trying to block the gift.
What Did Trump Say?
Trump defended the decision, saying, “They’re giving us a gift,” and it would be “stupid” not to accept it. He also claimed the plane was being given to the Department of Defense, not to him personally. He added that he wouldn’t use the plane after leaving office.
Can the Jet Be Used as Air Force One?
Experts say the 13-year-old plane has a fancy interior but isn’t ready to be used as Air Force One. It needs major upgrades, including:
- Stronger security systems
- Protection against hacking and spying
- Missile defense systems
Without these changes, the plane may only be safe to fly within the US and might need fighter jets to escort it.
How Much Will This Cost?
Democratic Senators Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth warned that retrofitting the plane could cost over $1 billion. They also said it’s unnecessary, as the US already has two working Air Force One planes.
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Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said they’ve been told to start planning the required changes but haven’t estimated how long it will take or how much it will cost.
For reference, Boeing is already working on two new Air Force One jets, and that project has cost more than $5 billion and is three years behind schedule.
