The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has formally accepted the Boeing 747-8I VIP aircraft, with registration number P4-HBJ donated by Qatar, with the intention of using it as a future Air Force One for presidential transport (see AVIONEWS). The news, confirmed by the Pentagon, has reignited the already lively debate on ethical issues, legality, timing, and the significant costs that will result from the necessary modifications. The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, accepted the aircraft in accordance with what the Pentagon defines as "all federal rules and regulations". Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the Department of Defense will work to ensure the "appropriate security measures and functional-mission requirements" for an aircraft intended to transport the President of the United States.

Donald Trump has vigorously defended the acceptance of the gift, which some estimates place at a value of around 400 million dollars. The President has repeatedly argued that this gesture will save hundreds of millions of dollars for American taxpayers. "Why should our armed forces, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for free?" Trump reportedly posted on his social media during his recent trip to the Middle East.

However, the initiative immediately raised deep concerns among legislators and observers. Democrats and even some Republicans have expressed strong reservations regarding the United States Constitution's "Foreign Emoluments Clause", which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. Pentagon sources and local press articles confirm that the acceptance of the aircraft occurred without such approval. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer described the action as "a stain on the office of the presidency", while others have referred to it as "the largest bribe in American history". The Trump administration replied by asserting that the gift was made to the Department of Defense and not personally to the president, framing it as a transaction between governments.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, during a Senate hearing, acknowledged that the aircraft will require "significant modifications" to meet the high standards of security, communication, and defense necessary for presidential transport, although he did not provide details on precise timing or costs, which remain classified. Aviation experts estimate that the modifications could amount to hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars (see AVIONEWS). The aircraft, which according to the president will not be used after the end of his term but donated to his presidential library, was the subject of a surprise visit by Trump himself in Florida in February.

The matter takes place within the context of an already complex and costly program to replace the current Air Force One (VC-25A), based on two Boeing 747-8 aircraft, with delivery scheduled for 2027. The decision to accept the Qatari airplane, in the absence of explicit congressional approval, is destined to remain a central point of political and legal contention.