The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar to be used as Air Force One. The move has sparked major debates in Washington over whether it’s legal, ethical, or safe.
The plane, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, is being questioned under the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which says American officials can’t accept gifts from foreign governments. Critics say using a plane from another country for the president could be a serious security risk and might break the law.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the jet was accepted “in line with all federal rules and regulations.” He added that the military will make sure the plane meets all security and mission requirements before it’s used to transport the president. He also said more details would come from the U.S. Air Force.
Former President Donald Trump, who supported the decision, brushed off the criticism. Speaking at the White House, he called the offer a “great gesture” and said it would be “stupid” to turn down a free, expensive airplane. “Why would I say no to that?” Trump said. “Only a fool would say no.”
But many lawmakers disagree. Senator Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, introduced a bill this week called the Presidential Airlift Security Act, which would block the Pentagon from using any foreign-owned aircraft for the president — even if retrofitted. Schumer argued that modifying the plane to meet U.S. standards could cost billions, and even then, it might never be truly secure.
“Trump has repeatedly shown he’ll put himself ahead of the country,” Schumer said. “This is just the latest example.”
While some Republicans have raised concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Trump supporter, hasn’t committed to bringing the bill up for a vote. Still, Schumer said he plans to try adding the bill to upcoming budget legislation later this year.
