TECH
The Pentagon just accepted a $400M Qatari Boeing 747-8—Trump calls it the new Air Force One.
By Aniket Chakraborty
May 23, 2025
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It’s the first time the U.S. may fly a foreign-donated plane to carry its president.
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Retrofitting for secure comms and missile defence could take years—not months.
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“It’s a terrible idea for many reasons,” said Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
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Schumer
calls it a national security risk—and may block DOJ nominees over it.
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Legal experts say the deal may violate the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
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Trump defends the move: “If your nation gave us a jet, I’d accept it.”
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The aircraft will be retrofitted by L3 Harris—not Boeing, the original Air Force One builder.
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With Boeing’s own jets delayed, Trump says the Qatar jet is a “sensible” alternative.
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If it flies, this plane will redefine Air Force One—and break decades of tradition.
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