Republicans worry about Trump’s plane donation
Republicans express apprehensions regarding Trump’s aircraft donation as he departs for Qatar. On Tuesday, Republican lawmakers articulated national-security apprehensions regarding the proposed $400 million aircraft that the Qatari royal family intends to donate to the U.S. for use as Air Force One, presenting an uncommon instance of GOP opposition to a project supported by President Trump.
A significant number of Republicans who voiced skepticism are members of congressional committees responsible for overseeing the nation’s armed services and intelligence agencies. The White House is expected to face a series of inquiries concerning security should the transfer proceed. They observed that the process of scrubbing the plane for foreign surveillance technology would entail significant costs and considerable effort, raising doubts about whether the Qatari plane would possess essential capabilities—such as midair refueling—or the advanced technology required for an airborne command center.
Several have indicated that President Trump and the White House could potentially reconsider the offer. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) emphasized Tuesday afternoon that no decisions had been finalized and anticipated that there would be “plenty of scrutiny” surrounding the arrangement if it progresses. “There are numerous concerns regarding that which I believe will prompt significant inquiries if and when it occurs,” Thune stated.
The Republicans’ remarks are comparatively restrained in contrast to those of Democrats, who have described the gift as raising ethical and constitutional concerns. Nonetheless, they signify one of the rare divisions between Trump and congressional members of his party. Trump has encountered criticism regarding the deal from conservative commentators: Ben Shapiro described the notion as “skeezy,” while influencer Laura Loomer targeted Qatar on social media, asserting “we cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
The objections raised by GOP lawmakers merit attention, particularly in light of Trump’s ongoing overseas trip to the Middle East. He is scheduled to arrive in Qatar for a state visit on Wednesday, yet the domestic backlash regarding the gift poses a risk of overshadowing the trip. “I have concerns whenever you accept a gift from a foreign country—even those that we perceive to be the closest of allies—whether or not that plane might have any listening devices in it,” Sen. Todd Young (R., Ind.) said to the Journal on Tuesday. Young stated that it would be fitting for the Senate Armed Services Committee or other congressional panels to examine the security concerns prior to the plane being put into service.
Trump on Tuesday night reaffirmed his intention to accept the plane. He stated that the gift would be allocated to the Department of Defense, resulting in savings for taxpayers amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. “Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country,” Trump articulated on his social media platform, asserting that Qatar “wants to reward us for a job well done.” In a conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday evening, Trump referred to the suggested gift as “a beautiful gesture” while dismissing detractors as “stupid.” Trump has consistently voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the antiquated aircraft utilized for presidential transport, lamenting the inefficiencies stemming from delays in finalizing a contract with Boeing for a new fleet of presidential planes.
Qatar has extended its assistance and is currently engaged in discussions with the Trump administration regarding the provision of a luxury aircraft owned by the Qatari royal family for the use of President Trump. The plan under consideration involves retrofitting the aircraft by a U.S. defense contractor to fulfill particular specifications for the transportation of the U.S. president. Following Trump’s presidency, the aircraft is slated to be displayed at the presidential library, as per the outlined plan.
The notion has been perceived by many as bold, considering that the aircraft utilized by the president are distinct from commercial airliners. These systems encompass advanced defense and communication technologies, enabling a president to fulfill all responsibilities, including military command, during air travel. Certain sections of the plane are so classified that reporters accompanying the president are prohibited from capturing close-up photographs of them. “I would be concerned about whether the plane can be scrubbed thoroughly to ensure that there aren’t listening devices,” stated Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine). “That’s a real problem because I’m sure that given the opportunity, our adversaries would be happy to plant something on the plane,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas). “I understand the president would love to be as efficient as possible, but this one may be a challenge,” cautioned Sen. Mike Rounds (R., S.D.).
While Trump contended that the arrangement could lead to savings for taxpayers, Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) expressed his belief that there would be considerable expenses linked to its security, particularly due to the presence of various proprietary technologies on the plane. “Every centimeter of the plane is going to have to be reviewed and have to go through all kinds of air worthiness testing,” Tillis said. “You simply do not deliver a plane.” He raised doubts about the value of investing considerable time in examining the plane, considering it is meant for temporary use. “When I assert that every square centimeter of that plane would have to be reviewed, I mean it. And that represents considerable effort, a significant investment of time for what may amount to a lifespan of approximately three and a half years.
Sen. James Lankford (R., Okla.) expressed that he would have “serious concerns” regarding the president utilizing a Qatari plane as Air Force One. It would take years to be able to get it up to the specs, to be usable on that level”—if it is possible at all, Lankford stated. “They would have to strip it down and rebuild it,” he stated. “Air Force One, when it is constructed, is constructed by individuals possessing top-secret clearance. “Everyone on the plane, around the plane, has classified access on that,” Lankford said. “The plane itself is equipped with numerous additional features for defensive protection that are not found on the average commercial aircraft.” Not all Republicans express apprehensions regarding feasibility. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.) expressed that he had no concerns regarding the security of the aircraft. “There’s zero chance we leave anything in that plane except the frame,” Mullin stated. “They’re going to strip to bare bones.”
