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Senators press Pentagon for documents on proposed Qatar plane for presidential use; contract details withheld

3841595 · June 11, 2025

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Summary

Committee members asked whether the Pentagon has taken possession of a Qatari aircraft being considered as a stopgap for Air Force One, and pressed witnesses for the memorandum of understanding and contract terms; witnesses said an MOU remained unsigned and contract/delivery terms were not for public release.

Senators asked Department of Defense leaders to provide documentation and a clear paper trail for an arrangement involving a Qatari aircraft that might be adapted for presidential use.

What senators asked and officials said

- Multiple senators asked whether DoD had taken possession of the Qatari 747 and whether a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or contract had been signed. Secretary Hegseth said a memorandum of understanding remained to be signed and that specifics about a contract and delivery times for a presidential aircraft were not appropriate to discuss publicly in the hearing.

- Senator Moran, Senator Murphy and others asked why the contract terms for previous Air Force One procurement had been public while DoD said contract or delivery details in this matter could not be disclosed. Witnesses said some capabilities are classified and that a signed MOU and contract language would be provided to the committee for its oversight but that public disclosure could be limited.

- Senators expressed concern about the cost‑benefit of a stopgap that could be transferred to a private presidential library after a short period; witnesses said final disposition would be determined by the MOU and subsequent documents.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision

- Discussion: Senators questioned the propriety, timing and cost of using a foreign gift or lease as a near‑term platform for presidential air transport.

- Direction/assignment: Witnesses agreed to provide the committee the MOU and to respond to written follow‑up questions on contract status and funding.

- Decision: None recorded publicly.

Quotes

Senator Moran asked: "Are you in possession of the Qatar airplane now?"

Secretary Hegseth: "A memorandum of understanding remains, to be signed, senator." He also said that details of delivery schedules and pricing for equipment of this sensitivity were "not for public consumption" in open session.

Clarifying details

- Witnesses said there were ongoing conversations about a memorandum of understanding; they declined to disclose contract price or delivery dates in the public hearing.

Provenance

- The exchange on the aircraft and contract began in questioning by Senator Reid and Senator Moran and continued through later rounds of questioning; the committee asked for supporting documents for its review.