Former President Donald Trump has suggested receiving a very nice Boeing 747-8 from Qatar. This proposal has launched a passionate national discussion over its legality, ethics and broader implications for our national security. Valued at $400 million, the aircraft would be converted for use as Air Force One, a process experts warn could take years and cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Yet the controversy arises from the fact that this would be an unprecedented gift to the U.S. government. If approved, this would be the largest foreign gift in the history of the U.S. It begs many important questions – why is Qatar spending so much, and how might it affect U.S. foreign policy. In a statement sent to TPM on Wednesday, Trump defended his decision to accept the aircraft. He mentioned delays at Boeing, the American manufacturer of Air Force One, as his excuse.
Concerns with the financial burden, and lengthy timeline to conversion has been raised by experts. This process could play out years after Trump leaves office. It might eventually deed it to the as-yet-unnamed Trump presidential library foundation when he leaves office. What to expect Trump has made clear that the plane will eventually be officially turned over to the U.S. Department of Defense. This blue sky provision makes sure that he himself won’t own it outright.
Former Vice President Mike Pence went on the record opposing the plan. The short answer is his steadfast claim that agreeing to accept such a gift creates significant national security dangers. He emphasized Qatar’s complicated geopolitical stance, stating,
“Qatar has a long history of playing both sides.” – Mike Pence
He emphasized that taking an Air Force One from Qatar violates the United States’ security and intelligence requirements.
“The very idea that we would accept an Air Force One from Qatar I think is inconsistent with our security, with our intelligence needs … I think it’s just a bad idea, and my hope is the president will think better of it.” – Mike Pence
He underscored the deep consequences of letting a foreign adversary supply something so critical, saying,
“There are profound issues, the potential for intelligence gathering, the need to ensure the president of the United States is safe and secure as he travels around the world.” – Mike Pence
Pence suggested an alternative, urging Qatar to invest the $400 million in infrastructure improvements at a U.S. military base instead. His remarks illustrate how much more concerned lawmakers are starting to get. They are afraid of what foreign adversaries might do with access to essential national treasures.
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