Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that a luxury Boeing 747 offered by the Qatari government will serve as a temporary Air Force One, despite growing ethical and security concerns in Washington.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, his social media platform. He stressed that the aircraft is a donation to the U.S. government—not a personal gift—and argued it would save taxpayer money.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!” Trump wrote. “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done?”
According to Trump, the aircraft will fill in until Boeing delivers new planes to replace the aging Air Force One fleet. He called the move a “big savings” for the country.
The Qatari plane, valued at around $400 million, would be among the most expensive gifts ever received by the U.S. government. Media reports say it would eventually be transferred to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.
However, the offer has sparked concern among lawmakers and national security experts. Some warn that accepting such a costly gift from a foreign government could set a troubling precedent.
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