Trump Said Gifted Qatari Jet Was ‘Free'—But Renovation Cost Could Reportedly Near $1 Billion

Forbes

5 days ago

Topline
The Pentagon appears to be using an over-budget missile project to pay for renovations to the jet Qatar controversially gifted to President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to a new report, despite the president arguing he accepted the plane because it was 'free.'
Key Facts
The Pentagon classified the cost of the renovations, but a recent $934 million transfer from the budget for a notoriously costly nuclear missile program, known as the Sentinel project, to an unnamed classified project has raised eyebrows that the maneuver was intended to pay for the plane renovations, The New York Times reported over the weekend.
Air Force officials have said privately that Sentinel funds will be used to make upgrades to the plane so it can be used as an Air Force One, though it's unclear if the entirety of the $934 million transfer will go toward the renovations, according to the Times, which reported the Air Force said last week it couldn't discuss the cost of the plane because it's classified.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told Congress in June the Defense Department believed the retrofit would cost $400 million, but engineers and Air Force experts have said the estimate appears low.
The Times reported on the observation after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar on July 7 stating the plane is an 'unconditional donation' to the Pentagon not to be 'interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice.'
Trump accepted the 747-8 jumbo jet—which he plans to use as a new Air Force One then donate to his presidential library after leaving office—amid concerns Qatar could use the gift to solicit favor from the Trump administration.
The president justified the gift by describing the plane as a 'GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE,' he wrote on Truth Social, and has also said he would be 'stupid' not to accept the jet.
Why Did Qatar Give Trump The Plane?
Despite Trump claiming the jet is a gift, the Trump administration approached Qatar about the plane after it was informed Boeing was behind schedule in delivering two new planes to be used as Air Force One, according to multiple reports, and likely wouldn't complete the jets until 2027 at the earliest, more than three years behind schedule. The jet was put on the market in 2020 as the Qatari royal family has sought to reduce its own private jet fleet.
What Renovations Does The Jet Need?
The plane, valued at $400 million, needs to be upgraded with modernized communication and technology systems, antimissile capabilities and an enhanced engine, according to the Times. It will also need to be inspected to ensure the Qataris didn't implant any spying devices. The upgrades are expected to begin imminently and take a year or two to complete.
Where Is The Plane Now?
In San Antonio, Texas. The plane was flown to a facility there, which the Times reported is known for secret technology projects, from Palm Beach International Airport when the U.S. formally accepted the gift in March.
What Is The Sentinel Program?
A project to replace and modernize the U.S. Air Force's Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system of ground-based nuclear weapons. The project to replace the aging missiles—approximately 400 of them—has been fraught with costly delays. The Air Force initially told Congress the project would cost $77.7 billion, but the cost has since gone up to $140 billion, according to the Times.
Key Background
The jet gift raised bipartisan criticism of ethical concerns and the potential for espionage, while Trump's family business dealings in Qatar added another layer of concern. The Trump Organization announced plans in April to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar developed by a company owned by the Qatari government, the Associated Press reported previously.
Further Reading
Why The Qataris Are Happy To Dump Their 747 On Trump (Forbes)
Republicans Question Trump's Plan To Accept Luxury Plane Gift From Qatar (Forbes)
Qatar Airways Will Buy 210 Jets From Boeing — As Trump Awaits Qatar's 747 Gift (Forbes)
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