An international gesture involving President Donald Trump and a luxury aircraft from Qatar has sparked sharp debate and controversy in Washington.

President Trump has accepted a Boeing 747 jet, valued at $400 million, donated by the Qatari government to serve as a new Air Force One, according to Fox News. The Pentagon confirmed the acceptance, stating the plane will be refitted to meet strict security and mission requirements, but the unprecedented move has raised significant questions among lawmakers and the public.

The development, revealed on May 21, follows years of delays and cost overruns on the existing Air Force One replacement project. While the Department of Defense describes the transfer as compliant with federal rules, critics from across the political spectrum are now scrutinizing the implications of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government, especially one with complex relations with the United States.

Lawmakers challenge decision and raise security fears

Concerns from Congress emerged almost immediately, with both Republicans and Democrats questioning the wisdom and legality of accepting a foreign nation’s aircraft as the U.S. president’s official plane. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was among the first to voice alarm, emphasizing the intelligence and surveillance risks posed by a jet previously owned by Qatar.

Cruz characterized the move as fraught with “significant espionage and surveillance problems,” warning that using a foreign aircraft for presidential transport could compromise national security. Other lawmakers echoed these concerns, focusing on the technical and legal processes required to retrofit the plane to serve as a secure, mobile command center.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., took his criticism further, labeling the situation as “farcically corrupt” and “blatantly unconstitutional.” Sanders questioned the motives behind the Qatari gift, suggesting the transaction could undermine trust in the executive branch and set a dangerous precedent for foreign influence.

Critics question Qatar’s intentions and U.S. interests

Skepticism about Qatar’s intentions was not limited to legal or technical issues. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., cast doubt on Qatar’s reliability as an ally, citing the country’s alleged support for groups hostile to U.S. interests. Scott voiced concerns for the president’s safety and suggested the gift could serve Qatari interests as much as American ones.

Trump’s critics insist that accepting a large-scale gift from a nation with a complicated reputation in Washington might send the wrong message, both to American citizens and U.S. allies. The move has reignited debate over Qatar’s growing influence in the nation’s capital and the possible diplomatic strings attached to such a gesture.

For his part, President Trump offered a forceful defense of his decision, pointing to the cost savings for American taxpayers and dismissing concerns as politically motivated. During a White House interaction with reporters, Trump said, “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay, and it’s a great thing.” When pressed by a journalist, he responded sharply, “You’re a terrible reporter. You don’t have what it takes to be a reporter.”

Trump administration touts transparency and savings

In response to mounting criticism, Trump took to Truth Social to clarify his rationale and defend the deal’s transparency. He stressed that the transaction was public, legal, and beneficial for the country, pointing to the ongoing delays and budget overruns in the traditional Air Force One replacement project.

Trump wrote on Truth Social:

So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.

Previously, Trump had negotiated a $3.9 billion fixed-price agreement with Boeing in 2018 for two new Air Force One jets, but that project is now years behind schedule and billions over budget. The administration says Qatar’s donation will serve as a temporary replacement and relieve pressure on taxpayers.

Pentagon moves forward amid ongoing scrutiny

The Secretary of Defense’s office confirmed that the Department of Defense has already accepted the Boeing 747 from Qatar, vowing to ensure all federal regulations are followed. Spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.”

As the refitting process begins, the Air Force has been tasked with upgrading the aircraft to meet the extensive security, communications, and operational standards required for Air Force One. This includes advanced anti-surveillance technology and the ability to function as a mobile Oval Office in emergencies.

President Trump’s acceptance of the Qatari jet comes on the heels of a Middle East trip in which he claimed to have secured $5.1 trillion in investments for the United States. The administration is framing the aircraft gift as another example of Trump’s deal-making prowess on the world stage.