The US Department of Defense confirmed on Wednesday (21st) that the Trump administration has officially accepted a Boeing 747 luxury passenger plane gifted by the Qatari government and is assessing the feasibility of modifying it into a new generation of "Air Force One." This move has raised concerns among some congressional members regarding national security and diplomatic implications.

Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth accepted the gifted aircraft in accordance with federal regulations, and the Department of Defense will work with the Air Force to ensure that the plane meets the safety and mission functionality standards required for a presidential aircraft. Trump hopes to use this aircraft as an alternative to the current Air Force One.

Due to significant delays in the delivery of two 747 aircraft currently being modified by Boeing, which may not be ready for delivery during Trump's second term, the White House is seeking alternative options. Boeing was awarded the contract for the modification of Air Force One during Trump’s first term; however, the original delivery schedule has been delayed for several years. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg admitted in a conference call in April that the company is negotiating a new timeline with the US to accelerate the delivery of the first aircraft while maintaining quality and safety.

The current Air Force One is equipped with high-spec defense systems, including missile defense and nuclear electromagnetic pulse protection, and if a civilian aircraft is to be used as a replacement, extensive upgrades are required. Air Force Assistant Secretary Troy Meink stated at a Senate hearing, "Any civilian aircraft would require significant modifications before being used for presidential travel, and we are assessing the needs of this aircraft." However, some congressional members are concerned that Trump may pressure for lowering safety standards to expedite the process. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth warned that rushing to complete upgrades before 2029 could impact safety standards for the aircraft.

The gift of this aircraft from Qatar has raised concerns among some Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who fear that Qatar might use it to exert political influence or install listening devices. In response, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani recently stated that the gift was made out of respect for the US-Qatar partnership, and there was no intention to influence the Trump administration. He emphasized, "We are a nation looking to establish strong friendships and partnerships with the United States, and any resources provided are based on mutual respect principles."

It remains unclear when this aircraft will be modified and put into use; however, the Department of Defense emphasizes that all conversion processes will be carried out in strict accordance with US national security standards.