Trump administration explores Qatar option for Air Force One
The Trump administration approached Qatar to inquire about purchasing a Boeing 747, which could potentially be used by President Donald Trump as Air Force One, reports CNN, citing four sources. This marks a shift in the narrative, as President Trump had claimed that Qatar contacted him and offered the jet as a "gift."
After Trump took office in January, the Pentagon reached out to Boeing and was informed that the company would not be able to deliver new planes to replace the aging presidential aircraft for another two years, reports CNN.
CNN states that the Trump administration was eager to find a replacement aircraft much faster, and the Air Force was exploring various options. Concurrently, Trump tasked his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, with compiling a list of feasible aircraft options, according to a senior White House official.
Following initial consultations, the Pentagon and Boeing provided American defense representatives with a list of other Boeing customers worldwide who had received planes. According to CNN, Qatar was one of those customers. The Pentagon offered to purchase the aircraft, and Qatar indicated its willingness to sell it.
The Pentagon began discussions with Qatar after learning that the White House supported the idea. Witkoff helped facilitate preliminary discussions. Initial talks focused more on leasing the aircraft rather than purchasing it, reports CNN.
In the first half of May, American media reported that President Donald Trump was considering accepting a luxurious Boeing 747-8 as a gift from Qatari authorities. The plan to receive the plane from the Qatari royal family sparked protests, even among some Republicans. On Monday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a bill that would prevent the use of foreign aircraft as Air Force One, the presidential plane.
Trump: Only a fool would not accept this gift on behalf of our country
The Boeing would be the most expensive gift from a foreign state and would first serve as Air Force One, after which it would be donated to a foundation for a presidential library. Trump himself stated that he would be "foolish" not to accept the airplane from Qatar and promised not to use it for private purposes after his term.
The Qatari Prime Minister denied that his country was attempting to buy influence in the USA by offering a luxurious aircraft to the American side, reported Reuters. "I hope that the United States looks to Qatar as a reliable partner in diplomacy that is not trying to buy influence," the Prime Minister said.
The USA signed a contract with Boeing in 2018 to purchase two aircraft to serve as Air Force One, but deliveries have been delayed. The President thus continues to use older aircraft, the same ones George H.W. Bush flew 35 years ago. These aircraft require frequent servicing and repairs, and politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have called for their replacement for years.
