Qatar Gifts Boeing 747 Jet to Trump Raising US Security Concerns

The Trump administration initially approached Qatar to acquire a Boeing 747-8 jet for use as Air Force One, contrary to President Trump's claim that Qatar gifted the plane. Qatar's Prime Minister described the offer as a routine gesture between allies and dismissed allegations of bribery or influence buying. The plane, however, requires extensive security and communication upgrades to meet Air Force One standards, including missile defense and electronic warfare systems, which experts say would be costly and time-consuming. Until these upgrades are complete, the jet might need a military escort and could be restricted to flying within U.S. airspace. Some U.S. politicians, such as Senator Josh Hawley, expressed skepticism about accepting the jet, citing concerns over Qatar's regional activities and suggesting the country should instead focus on investing in American industry. Despite criticism and legal scrutiny, Trump has described rejecting the jet as "stupid" and plans to eventually donate it to his presidential library.