In a significant development, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has inked an agreement with Qatar, accepting a Boeing jet donation that could potentially serve as Air Force One.
This move, backed by President Donald Trump, marks a crucial phase in a contentious transfer process. The memorandum of understanding, sealed on July 7 between Hegseth and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, details the "unconditional donation" of a 13-year-old luxury jet previously used by the Qatari royal family. This action propels what could be one of the most substantial foreign gifts ever received by a U.S. administration.
As reported by CNN, the document categorically states that the aircraft is a "bona fide gift" to the U.S. Department of Defense, requiring no payment from the United States. "This donation is made in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the parties," the document reads.
It further clarifies, "Nothing in this [memorandum of understanding] is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice." The agreement emphasizes that the transfer is not linked to any government action, asserting it is "not connected or otherwise related to any governmental decision and, as such, is not made, offered, promised or accepted because of any past, present or future official act or decision and is not intended to obtain or retain any improper advantage or to influence any official decision."
The Pentagon confirmed on May 21 that it had officially accepted the aircraft, but the finalized terms and signatures were only received weeks later. The deal is anticipated to be formally concluded in the forthcoming days. President Trump, who initially announced the donation before his May trip to the Middle East, has lauded the acquisition as a much-needed addition to the existing Air Force One fleet.
The two Boeing 747s currently designated for presidential use are experiencing significant delays in refurbishment work initiated during Trump's first term.
Despite being classified as a no-cost gift, the transfer has attracted criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Legislators have raised ethical concerns and highlighted the considerable taxpayer cost needed to retrofit the plane for secure presidential travel.
While Trump has stressed that the plane is "free of charge," U.S. taxpayers will shoulder the financial responsibility of transforming the commercial jet into a secure command platform. This includes structural overhauls and the installation of communications and defense systems.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has estimated that the retrofit will cost "less than $400 million," although defense analysts suggest the actual figure could reach or exceed $1 billion. To finance the project, the Air Force intends to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars from the Sentinel missile modernization program to a classified project believed to support the upgrade of Air Force One. The plane currently remains in San Antonio, Texas, awaiting the retrofit process.
Login