If this report is true, it is an absolute embarrassment for both the United States and Donald Trump.
Accepting a luxury aircraft from the Qatari royal family to serve as Air Force One is more than questionable. It sends a global signal that the United States is willing to outsource its own symbols of power and prestige. Air Force One is not just a mode of transport. It is a projection of American strength. Taking a gift from a foreign monarchy cheapens that image and suggests a disturbing lack of self-reliance.
It also raises major ethical and national security concerns. Even if this is structured as a government-to-government transfer, it still smells like a favor. Qatar has extensive lobbying interests in Washington, and this looks like the groundwork for influence and favoritism. This is the kind of deal that would launch a thousand investigations if anyone else tried it.
Then there is the blatant hypocrisy. Donald Trump built his brand on “America First,” attacking globalism and foreign entanglements. Now he is allegedly turning to a foreign royal family for one of the most iconic representations of American power. That is not America First. That is America for sale.
Finally, the Pentagon taking possession of a foreign military aircraft for a future president raises serious national defense concerns. What precedent does this set? What message does this send to allies and adversaries? The United States should not be in the business of accepting hand-me-down symbols of authority.
If this is the future under a second Trump term, the world is not going to see strength. They are going to see a superpower begging for upgrades.
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Kaitlan Collins
@kaitlancollins
Confirming ABC News, the Trump administration is set to accept a luxury plane from the Qatari royal family which will be retrofitted and used as Air Force One during his second term, per two people familiar. It will be transferred from the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the
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