Preparations are reportedly underway to refit a Qatari jumbo jet that is expected to serve as Air Force One for former President Donald Trump, according to CBS, a news partner of the BBC in the US.
The Boeing aircraft, valued at $400 million, is being donated by Qatar as an “unconditional” gift, with the US government expected to cover any necessary retrofitting costs.
The arrangement has drawn criticism from both political opponents of Trump and some allies, with some labeling it a potential “bribe” from a foreign power.
The White House has maintained the legality of accepting the aircraft, pledging to donate it to Trump’s presidential library after his term. Current regulations generally limit the acceptance of gifts by US officials to under $480.
According to a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US Department of Defense reviewed by CBS, the aircraft will be donated “as is,” with the Pentagon overseeing all modifications necessary for its use as part of Air Force One, the president’s official air transport.
Prior to operation, the plane will also undergo security inspections, including sweeps for surveillance or espionage devices.
“Nothing in this MOU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence or corrupt practice,” the document states. “The parties affirm that the donation is a bone fide gift.”
Earlier this year, news of the US accepting the Qatari plane prompted immediate and strong backlash from across the US political spectrum, including within Trump’s conservative base.
“I think the technical term is ‘skeezy’,” commented Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator for the Daily Wire, on his podcast.
“Qatar is not allegedly giving President Trump a $400m jet out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts,” he stated. “They try to stuff money into pockets in totally bipartisan fashion.”
Laura Loomer, a prominent right-wing social media personality, has asserted that accepting the plane would be a “stain” on the administration.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for comment on the matter.
The current presidential fleet includes two 747-200 jets, which have been in service since 1990, along with a collection of smaller, more discreet 757s.
In February, the former US president expressed his dissatisfaction with Boeing, the US aircraft manufacturer, regarding two new Air Force One aircraft that he had anticipated receiving directly from the company.
At the time, he suggested the administration could “buy a plane or get a plane, or something.”
Trump has previously described the gift from Qatar as a “great gesture” that would be “stupid” to refuse.
However, critics contend that the donation may be unconstitutional.
California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff cited a provision of the US Constitution that prohibits elected officials from accepting “any present…of any kind whatever” from a foreign government without congressional approval.
With current regulations limiting US officials to accepting gifts valued at less than $480, the aircraft gift is highly unusual.
The White House has dismissed any suggestion of illegality.
“The legal details of that are still being worked out,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated earlier this year. “Of course, any donation to the government is always done in full compliance with the law.”
Trump has indicated that the plane would be destined for his “library” after his time in the White House. Presidential libraries typically house an archive of documents and a privately funded museum of memorabilia.
The total cost to retrofit the aircraft remains uncertain, but experts agree that it could be exceptionally expensive.
Modifications would include the installation of advanced security systems, in-flight refueling capabilities, and protection against electromagnetic pulses from nuclear detonations.
Defense experts have suggested that the retrofit could cost hundreds of millions, or potentially even a billion dollars.
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