Democrats Grill Air Force on Trump’s Qatar-Gifted Jet Funding

Nuclear Missile Funds Allegedly Diverted for Presidential Plane Retrofit

Leading Democrats are expressing grave concerns over reports that funds earmarked for modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal may be redirected to transform a luxury jet, gifted by Qatar, into a new Air Force One for Donald Trump.

Controversial Gift and Costly Conversion

President **Donald Trump** faced significant backlash in May when it became public that he would accept a Boeing 747-8 jet valued at $400 million from the Qatari royal family. The estimated cost to reconfigure the aircraft for presidential transport is a staggering $1 billion, with taxpayers footing the bill.

Concerns Over Sentinel Program Impact

Now, Democrats are zeroing in on media claims that the conversion will be partially financed by diverting money from the Sentinel nuclear missile modernization program. This initiative is already reportedly years behind schedule and significantly over budget.

Congressional Inquiry Launched

A group of prominent senators, including **Elizabeth Warren**, **Tammy Duckworth**, **Ed Markey**, and **Adam Schiff**, along with Representatives **John Garamendi** and **Jamie Raskin**, have penned a letter to Air Force Secretary **Troy Meink**. They are demanding answers regarding the reported funding shift.

“Palace in the Sky” and Security Needs

The letter highlights Secretary **Meink**’s previous acknowledgment that the Qatari plane requires “significant modifications” to meet Air Force One standards. These enhancements are expected to include advanced defenses against missiles, robust communication systems, and counterintelligence measures.

“In June, you told Congress that the cost of retrofitting the Qatari Boeing 747-8 ‘wouldn’t be anywhere near’ the reported $1 billion estimate. Do you still believe this to be the case?”

—Democrats to Secretary **Troy Meink**

Reports indicate the Air Force has identified $934 million appropriated for the Sentinel program as “excess to need.” This classification could permit the funds’ reallocation to other classified projects, potentially including the Qatari jet’s retrofitting.

Questions on Program Delays and Costs

The lawmakers pressed Secretary **Meink** with direct questions: “Has the Air Force assessed whether shifting funds out of the Sentinel program will increase the program’s costs or risk further delaying the program’s schedule? Did or will any of the $934 million from the Sentinel program go to retrofits for the Qatari Boeing 747-8, or were or will those funds be diverted to other programs?”

The Democrats also criticized a perceived lack of transparency, noting that the total cost for the jet’s conversion is classified. This secrecy prevents a clear understanding of whether additional expenses might impact other Air Force programs beyond Sentinel.

Call for Cooperation with Investigations

The congressional group is seeking assurance that the Air Force will fully cooperate with any independent investigations into the acceptance and retrofitting of the Qatari jet.

Constitutional Concerns and Emoluments

Previously, Democrats have raised concerns that accepting the gifted jet might contravene the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on foreign emoluments. They argue the plane is intended for only a few years of presidential use before a likely donation to **Trump**’s presidential library.

In defense of the decision, **Trump** has stated, “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I could be a stupid person and say: ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’” He likened it to accepting a putt on a golf course.

However, the lawmakers believe the gesture is an attempt by Qatar to “curry favor with the administration” by providing a “palace in the sky.”

Broader Business Ties to Qatar

This situation unfolds as the Trump Organization recently announced a new resort development in Qatar, a venture partnered with Qatari Diar, a property firm backed by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.