Overview

• The U.S. Defense Department has formally accepted a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar to serve as an interim Air Force One due to delays in Boeing's contracted replacements.
• The plane, previously used by Qatar's royal family, will undergo retrofitting estimated to cost up to $1 billion and take several years to meet Air Force One security standards.
• Congressional leaders from both parties have raised concerns about potential violations of the Constitution's Emoluments Clause and national security risks tied to the foreign-sourced aircraft.
• President Trump defended the decision as cost-saving and transparent, arguing the gift spares taxpayers the expense of acquiring a temporary replacement.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation to bar foreign aircraft from serving as Air Force One and pledged to investigate the Pentagon's acceptance of the plane.