Democrats are once again going after President Donald Trump — this time over a gift from a key U.S. ally. Six Democrat lawmakers are demanding the Air Force explain why it is upgrading a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar to serve as Air Force One, claiming the project is draining funds from America’s nuclear missile modernization program.
A Gift From Qatar Becomes the Latest Political Flashpoint
The aircraft, previously used by the Qatari royal family, was offered as an “unconditional donation” in a deal signed last month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatar’s defense minister. President Trump announced the gift in May before his Middle East visit, stressing it was “free of charge” to the American people.
But Democrats are accusing the Trump administration of creating a “palace in the sky” at taxpayer expense. Their letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink claims money is being pulled from the Sentinel nuclear missile program — a critical project already over budget and behind schedule — to retrofit the 13-year-old jet with secure communications and defense systems.
The Real Cost to Taxpayers?
While the plane itself cost nothing, the Air Force will bear the expense of tearing it down and rebuilding it to meet Air Force One standards. Meink says the cost will be under $400 million, but aviation experts warn the bill could soar past $1 billion.
The lawmakers — including Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) — want to know if any of the $934 million pulled from the missile program has already been spent on the project. They’ve given the Air Force until August 20 to respond.
Supporters Say It’s Smart Diplomacy
Trump supporters argue the Qatar gift saves the U.S. from buying a new aircraft and strengthens ties with an important ally in the Middle East — all while replacing the aging Air Force One fleet faster. Critics, however, say Qatar is trying to curry favor with Trump and that taxpayers should not foot the bill for luxury upgrades.
Why This Matters for National Security
The Sentinel program is designed to modernize America’s nuclear deterrent — a top defense priority in an increasingly dangerous world. Diverting funds could delay missile readiness, something conservatives warn the U.S. cannot afford with threats from China, Russia, and Iran on the rise.
As the political battle heats up, this fight over Air Force One could become a major 2025 flashpoint — and a preview of the high-stakes clashes to come in President Trump’s second term.