The Pentagon announced on Wednesday (May 21) that they have received a donation of a Boeing aircraft from the government of Qatar, and it will be reconfigured to serve as the new “Air Force One” for President Trump.
According to spokesperson Sean Parnell, the Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the Boeing 747 aircraft in compliance with all federal regulations.
Parnell stated, “The Department of Defense will ensure that the aircraft has necessary security measures and functions, and meets the operational requirements for transporting the President of the United States.”
The US Air Force explains that the President will travel on one of two Boeing aircraft, known as “Air Force One” during flights.
Previously, Trump has been vocal about the current “Air Force One” being nearly forty years old, and delays in the delivery of the new ordered Boeing aircraft.
Last week, he told reporters, “Now, Qatar, with great respect for the United States, they would like to give me a plane. Very nicely offered. I said, ‘I can’t accept it.'”
Facing criticism from Democrats, Trump defended on social media that the Boeing aircraft was a gift to the Department of Defense. It will serve as a “temporary Air Force One” until the new Boeing aircraft is in place.
He wrote last week, “Why should our Air Force, taxpayers, pay hundreds of millions of dollars for this aircraft when we can get it for free from a nation that wants to reward us for outstanding work? The massive savings will be used to make America great again! Only a fool would refuse this gift to our country.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on the 19th that the aircraft was donated to the American nation and Air Force.
She said, “The Qatar government and the Royal Family have offered to donate this aircraft to the US Air Force, and the acceptance process will adhere to all legal and ethical obligations. The Department of Defense and the US Air Force will refurbish this aircraft to the highest standards. This is not a personal gift or donation to the President of the United States.”