WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegses welcomed the lavish Boeing 747 jet from Qatar for President Donald Trump’s Air Force 1, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday, despite ongoing concerns about the ethical implications and legality of receiving lavish gifts from foreign entities.
According to President Shawn Parnell, the Pentagon is committed to ensuring that all necessary security protocols are in place for safe operational use of the aircraft. He emphasized that the acceptance of the plane was carried out “in compliance with all federal laws and guidelines.”
Trump defended the gift, asserting during his recent Middle Eastern trip that it could lead to tax savings.
“Why should our military, and therefore taxpayers, be obligated to spend hundreds of millions when they can obtain it at no cost?” Trump stated, as he posted on his social media account during his travels.
However, critics argue that Trump’s acceptance of the aircraft, labeled as the “temperature palace,” violates the Constitution’s restrictions on foreign gifts. Democrats are expressing outrage, and even some of the Republican president’s supporters are raising alarms.
“This unprecedented move is a blot on the presidency, and it cannot go unanswered,” said Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader from New York. “Until there is transparency surrounding this dubious transaction, I will continue to block all political candidates from the Justice Department until it becomes clear there’s no corrupt scheme to retain planes following Trump’s departure from office.”
Schumer has proposed legislation to prohibit foreign aircraft from being utilized as Air Force 1 and restrict the use of taxpayer funds for modifying or refurbishing such planes.
Critics also note the necessity of modifying the aircraft to meet security standards, a process that is expected to be costly and lengthy.
“This unconstitutional decision not only undermines the dignity of our nation but will also compel taxpayers to waste over $1 billion to retrofit two fully operational Air Force jets, not just one,” she remarked during a hearing on Tuesday, calling it a “dangerous pathway” for the U.S. to accept aircraft from Qatari rulers.
Air Force Secretary Troy Mike informed senators that plans are being initiated for upgrading the jets to meet the required specifications, acknowledging that the aircraft will require “substantial” alterations.
A statement from the Air Force indicated that preparations are in motion to issue a contract to modify the Boeing 747, although further details remain classified.
During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump commented, “They’re giving U.S. Air Force jets.”
“I received the U.S. Air Force; they are in a position to assist us,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, Boeing is a little behind schedule.”
Ramaphosa, who was present during the meeting, expressed his regret for not being able to provide a plane, stating, “If your country is offering aircraft to the U.S. Air Force, I would gladly accept.”
Trump has not submitted a national security directive for a prompt upgrade, opting instead to wait for Boeing to finalize the new aircraft he has been working on for years.
To mitigate some of the pushback, he indicated that he wouldn’t operate the aircraft once the stipulations were finalized. Instead, he suggested that the plane would likely be donated to a future presidential library, akin to how the Boeing 707 used by Ronald Reagan was retired and showcased as a museum exhibit.
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Associated Press contributors Tara Kopp and Michelle L. Price assisted in this report.
Source: apnews.com