US Secretary of Defense Pitt Hegschet accepted Boeing 747 that offered Qatar to the US president Donald Trump To use it as a presidential aircraft, as announced Wednesday (21.05.25) the Pentagon, despite the corruption allegations stated by the Democratic opposition.
The royal family led by the Gulf Emirate intended to offer the Pentagon a Boeing 747, the value of which is appreciated in approximately $ 400 millionin order to temporarily replace the Air Force One.
Earlier today, US media reported the news that the US accepted the aircraft as a gift from Qatar, also saying that US Air Force was asked to determine a way for to modernize it soon in order to be used as a presidential aircraft.
First the New York Times wrote for the agreement.
“The Ministry of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in agreement with the federal regulations,” said Sean Parnel, Pentagon’s spokesman in a press release.
Qatar has gifted a $400M Boeing 747-8, dubbed the “Flying Palace,” to the U.S. government for use as a temporary Air Force One. Built in 2012 for Qatar’s royal family. Designed by Alberto Pinto. pic.twitter.com/bHbBLhl1W8
– Fahad Naim (@Fhadnaimb) May 20, 2025
“The Ministry of Defense will ensure that appropriate security measures and operational shipping requirements will be taken into account for an aircraft used to transport the US President,” he added.
The American Constitution prohibits public officials from accepting gifts “On behalf of a king, a prince or a foreign state.”
But Donald Trump strongly defended his choice to accept the Boeing offered by Qatarstressing that it would be “fool” to refuse such a gift.
“It’s a beautiful gesture coming from Qatar. I am very grateful, “he said last week from the White House.
“This is not just a pure corruption, it is also a serious threat to national security,” said Democratic leader Chuck Sumer. Qatar has rejected concerns raised about the aircraft agreement.