Washington: The Defense Department has officially accepted a gifted Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One, Pentagon officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Security and Legal Considerations
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department will ensure proper security measures to make the aircraft safe for presidential use. He emphasized that the plane was accepted in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.
Trump’s Justification
Trump defended the acceptance of the aircraft, which was discussed during his recent Middle East trip, as a cost-saving measure. He argued that taxpayers should not have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars when the jet was offered for free.
Concerns Over Foreign Gifts
Despite Trump’s justification, critics have raised concerns that accepting the aircraft may violate the Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts. Additionally, the retrofit required to meet security standards could be costly and time-consuming.
Political Reactions and Latest Updates
- Democratic lawmakers have expressed outrage, calling the acceptance of the jet unprecedented and ethically questionable.
- Republican allies have mixed reactions, with some supporting Trump’s decision while others worry about national security risks.
- The Air Force is now preparing to award a contract to modify the aircraft, but details remain classified.
- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation to prohibit foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One, but the bill was blocked by Republican opposition.
- Trump reiterated that the jet was given to the U.S. government, not to him personally, and dismissed criticism as politically motivated.
The controversy surrounding the aircraft continues, with ongoing debates over its legal, ethical, and financial implications.
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