Investing.com-- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a luxury Boeing 747 offered by the government of Qatar would be used as a temporary Air Force One, signaling his support for accepting the gift despite ethical and security concerns in Washington.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump emphasized the aircraft is being donated to the U.S. government, not to him personally, and framed the move as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!” Trump wrote.
“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done,” he added.
Trump said the plane would be used until delayed Boeing (NYSE:BA) replacements for Air Force One are delivered, and described the decision as a “big savings”.
The luxury plane, which costs approximately $400 million, would be one of the most valuable gifts ever received by the U.S. government, and would eventually be donated to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office, media reports showed.
The offer has raised questions among lawmakers and national security officials, who warn that accepting such a gift from a foreign government could set a dangerous precedent.