On Monday, President Donald Trump expressed appreciation for Qatar’s offer of a Boeing 747 to serve as an interim Air Force One, attributing the need for such assistance to delays with U.S. manufacturer Boeing.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump highlighted disappointment with the prolonged construction time for a new Air Force One, noting that the current model is a modified version of a Boeing 747 that has been in service for 40 years.
“When you compare some of the aircraft owned by various Arab nations alongside our plane, it appears as if they come from a different era,” Trump remarked.
A White House official clarified to Finance Newso that there will be no acceptance of any aircraft “gift” during Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar this week, although Qatar has mentioned that the “transfer of an aircraft for temporary use” is being deliberated.
In addition to Qatar, Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week, expressing admiration for the leadership of Qatar.
Trump elaborated on Qatar’s offer, stating, “They are well aware of the manufacturing delays since they are major buyers of Boeing aircraft. They approached us with a willingness to contribute. If we could secure a 747 for temporary use of our defense department during the production of the new planes, that would indeed be a generous offer, which I greatly appreciate.”
He further added, “It would be foolish to decline a free plane,” emphasizing the exorbitant costs associated with maintaining such aircraft.
Trump mentioned that he would not retain the jet post-presidency and that it would be housed in his presidential library.
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché to the U.S., told Finance Newso that the potential transfer of an aircraft for temporary Air Force One use is currently being reviewed by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, pending evaluation by their legal offices.
Speculation regarding Qatar gifting a Boeing 747 to the U.S. sparked political debate, with some lawmakers voicing concerns about the legal implications and the risk of foreign influence on the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured Finance Newso, stating, “Any gift from a foreign government will always be accepted in accordance with all applicable laws. The Trump Administration is committed to complete transparency.”
