Trump accepts $400m aircraft gift from Qatar as new Air Force One

Trump accepts $400m aircraft gift from Qatar as new Air Force One

President Donald Trump of the United States has finally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jetliner as a gift from the Qatari government despite warnings from members of the opposition Democratic Party.

The Department of Defence confirmed the decision to accept the plane in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the U.S. Air Force has commenced plans to rapidly upgrade the aircraft to be safe enough to put into use as a new Air Force One for Mr Trump.

“The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” the chief Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement.

Mr Parnell added, “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the president of the United States.”

READ ALSO:

• Teacher admits sexually assaulting 15-year-old boy met at church
• El-Rufai confirms Atiku, Obi 2027 deal, says Tinubu returning to Lagos
• 11-year-old girl to represent Lagos at AFED national finals

The aircraft, estimated to worth about $400 million by industry executives, was presented to Mr Trump by the Qatari government following his visit to the country last week as part of maiden visit to the Middle East in his second term.

The gift has generated concerns among members of the U.S. Congress, especially Democrats lawmakers, who argued that any attempt by Mr Trump to accept the aircraft without congressional approval will violate federal laws that prevent politicians from accepting certain gifts from foreign governments.

Lawmakers from Mr Trump’s own Republican Party, including Senator Rand Paul also admitted that accepting the aircraft would put the United States in a bad light while others worry that limited timeframe may not permit adequate modifications to make the plane secure enough for the president’s use.

“If President Trump insists on converting this plane to a hardened Air Force One before 2029, I worry about the pressures you may be under to cut corners on operational security,” Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth during the testimony of Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on Tuesday.

Trump accepts $400m aircraft gift from Qatar as new Air Force One