Senators press Air Force on security, cost risks of proposed Qatari gift plane for Air Force One
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Summary
Several senators raised constitutional, counterintelligence and cost concerns about the president’s reported plan to accept a Qatari‑provided aircraft for use as Air Force One; Air Force witnesses said they are evaluating required modifications and will ensure security standards are met.
Senators used Monday’s hearing to press Air Force leaders about reports that the president plans to accept a gift aircraft from the Qatari royal family and retrofit it for presidential use, raising concerns about legal, security and cost implications.
Senator Hirono called the plan “very questionable” and pressed witnesses on counterintelligence risks and taxpayer costs, citing media reporting that retrofit work could exceed $1 billion. She said the proposal could skirt constitutional limits on acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments and shift retrofit costs to DOD.
Secretary Troy Mink said the secretary of defense has directed the Air Force to begin planning for necessary modifications. “Any civilian aircraft will take significant modifications to do so,” he said, adding the Air Force is “postured to make the modifications necessary” and will evaluate security and survivability requirements.
Senator Duckworth asked Mink to advise the president against cutting required operational security standards. Mink responded he would be “quite clear” and would discuss any shortfalls with the secretary and the president if required.
Lawmakers pressed for assurances that ongoing Air Force modernization work (two 747‑8 aircraft already under contract) would not be delayed or shortchanged to accommodate the retrofit, and asked for classified briefings on operational security requirements. Witnesses pledged to ensure the commander in chief would only fly on aircraft meeting U.S. standards and to return with further details. No committee action was taken at the hearing.