The Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted a Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One, igniting widespread concern over constitutional legality, national security, and ethical implications.
The high-value donation, estimated at several hundred million dollars, is being scrutinized under the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which forbids officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments. Critics argue that accepting such a gift for presidential use could threaten U.S. sovereignty and violate federal regulations.
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Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the aircraft was accepted within the bounds of existing federal laws and emphasized that necessary security and operational standards would be ensured before the jet is used to transport the President. Further details were referred to the U.S. Air Force.
Former President Donald Trump dismissed the controversy, calling the jet a generous offer. “Why turn down a free, extremely valuable plane?” he said, calling it foolish to reject such an opportunity.
However, the decision has drawn strong opposition from lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the Presidential Airlift Security Act to prevent Trump from using the aircraft, citing massive retrofitting costs and security concerns. The bill seeks to bar the Pentagon from using taxpayer funds to upgrade planes provided by foreign states for presidential use.
“Trump has repeatedly put personal gain over public duty,” Schumer said, arguing that even with extensive modifications, the jet may never meet necessary security standards.
Though some Republicans have expressed concern, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to moving Schumer’s bill forward. Still, Democrats are pushing to tie the legislation to upcoming must-pass spending measures to force a vote.
