Department of Defense Accepts Airplane From Qatar to Use as Air Force One

Some lawmakers criticize accepting a plane from a foreign nation.

A 13-year-old private Boeing aircraft that President Donald Trump toured on Saturday to check out new hardware and technology features, and highlight the aircraft maker's delay in delivering updated versions of the Air Force One presidential aircraft, takes off from Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 16, 2025. Ben Curtis/AP Photo

The U.S. Department of Defense has gained control of an aircraft from Qatar that is intended to become the new Air Force One, officials said on May 21.

“The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, told The Epoch Times via email. “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.”