In this February 15, 2025 photo the motorcade of US President Donald Trump is parked next to an almost 13 year old Qatari Boeing 747 sitting on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport on February 15, 2025. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Pho
Read more Iran latest: Iran reviewing US proposal as pressure increases from White House
The U.S. military hopes to welcome the jumbo jet gifted by Qatar to the Air Force One fleet before the Fourth of July, according to a new Reuters report.
Big picture view:
A U.S. official and another person close to the program said the Air Force wants to have the Boeing 747 in service before the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Read more 11 arrested, including 4 Fort Hood soldiers, in Central Texas child sex sting
The backstory:
Qatar gave the luxury jet to the U.S. in 2025 and the White House asked the military to upgrade it to meet the needs of the president quickly. L3Harris, which is doing the renovations, has been trying to see if the work can be completed by June 14, which would be President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
What they’re saying:
Democrats and advocates for good government have criticized the Qatari gift, warning about the potential conflicts of interest in accepting the 13-year-old, $400 million jet. Trump, meanwhile, dismissed the concerns, saying that refusing the gift would be “stupid.”
Read more Kuykendahl shooting: Aggravated robbery suspect arrested, 1 shot and injured