Qatar's gift of "flying palace" sparks legal storm in US
The American Department of Defense has announced that it has accepted a gift from Qatar in the form of a Boeing 747 aircraft, intended for use in transporting the President of the United States. The luxuriantly equipped aircraft, dubbed the "flying palace," will first undergo necessary preparations to serve as Air Force One.
The acceptance of the aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, was announced on Wednesday by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.
"The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations. 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," stated Parnell.
Although the statement did not mention it, President Donald Trump had previously suggested that the aircraft would be handed over to the foundation for his presidential library after his current term. According to ABC News, this is likely the most expensive gift from a foreign government in U.S. history.
When asked about it during a meeting with the President of South Africa at the White House, Trump stated that it is a "wonderful thing" and that Qatar did a "very nice thing" by gifting the Jumbo Jet to the U.S. Air Force. He mentioned that America needs a new presidential aircraft, but Boeing is delayed with the order for two modified 747s.
The President had already viewed the aircraft referred to as the "flying palace" in February during a visit to Florida and expressed frustration at Boeing's delays.
A storm over the gift from Qatar
The issue, however, raises significant legal and security concerns. The Constitution prohibits accepting gifts from foreign states without the consent of Congress, and the aircraft will require major modifications to adapt it for presidential transport and be vetted by intelligence services.
On Wednesday, Jack Reed, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a Democrat, called on the Pentagon's Inspector General to launch an investigation into what he characterized as a brazen attempt to circumvent constitutional restrictions. Specifically, he referred to concerns over the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without the required approval from Congress. He also pointed out that modifying the aircraft could take years. Several Republican congressmen and senators have previously voiced unease and concern about this matter.
Senator Josh Hawley told NPR radio that he would prefer the presidential aircraft to be purchased in America and stated that if Qatar wants to curry favour with Washington, it should distance itself from the Islamist groups it supports. Senator Ted Cruz remarked that the gift poses a significant problem related to espionage and surveillance, while the Republican leader in the Senate, John Thune, announced that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
