The U.S. Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday (21st) that the Trump administration has officially received a Boeing 747 luxury passenger aircraft gifted by the Qatari government and is evaluating the feasibility of converting it into a new generation of "Air Force One." This move has raised concerns among some congressional members regarding its implications for national security and foreign relations.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft based on federal regulations, and the Department of Defense will work with the Air Force to ensure the plane meets the safety and mission functional standards required for a presidential aircraft.

Trump aims to use this aircraft as a replacement for the current Air Force One, as Boeing is significantly behind schedule on two 747 aircraft modifications, which may not be delivered during Trump’s second term, prompting the White House to seek alternatives.

Boeing received the contract for modifying Air Force One during Trump's first term, and the scheduled delivery has been delayed for several years. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg admitted during the April earnings call that the company is in discussions with U.S. operators on a new timeline to expedite the first delivery while ensuring quality and safety.

The current Air Force One is equipped with high-grade defense systems, including missile defense and nuclear electromagnetic pulse protection, and replacing it with a commercial aircraft would require significant upgrades. Air Force Assistant Secretary Troy Meink stated during a Senate hearing, "Any commercial aircraft will require significant modifications to be suitable for presidential use, and we are assessing the needs for this aircraft."

However, some congressional members worry that Trump might lower safety standards to expedite the process. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth warned that rushing the upgrades to meet a 2029 deadline could compromise safety standards.

Concerns have arisen among some Republicans and Democrats regarding political influence through this gifted aircraft, fearing Qatar may apply political leverage or install listening devices. In response, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani publicly stated that the gifting of the aircraft was out of respect for the U.S.-Qatar partnership and not an attempt to influence the Trump administration. He emphasized, "We are a nation that seeks to build a strong friendship and partnership with the United States, and any resources provided are based on mutual respect."

It is currently unclear when the aircraft will be modified and operational, but the Pentagon has stressed that all conversion processes will be conducted carefully in accordance with U.S. national security standards.