“The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in compliance with all federal laws and regulations,” chief spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Fox News. “The Department of Defense will ensure that appropriate security measures and operational requirements are taken into account for an aircraft designated for transporting the President of the United States. For further details, we direct you to the United States Air Force.”
The announcement of this arrangement has raised concerns among lawmakers regarding the retrofitting of a foreign aircraft to function as a secure mobile Oval Office, as well as apprehensions about what Qatar may expect in return for this gift.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a supporter of Trump, has expressed that the aircraft presents “significant espionage and surveillance issues,” while liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., stated, “Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. This is not only absurdly corrupt, but it is also overtly unconstitutional.”
“In my view, Qatar is not a reliable ally. They support Hamas, which raises concerns about the President’s safety,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., remarked to reporters last week.
When questioned about the recent developments, Trump responded to a reporter at the White House, saying, “They’re providing the United States Air Force with a jet, and it’s a wonderful thing.”
“You’re a terrible reporter. You lack the qualities necessary to be a reporter,” he added.
