The Voice News: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny Wednesday from Senate Democrats over a Qatari luxury jet that President Donald Trump wants to use as Air Force One. During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon has taken possession of the Boeing 747-8 jet, even though no final agreement with Qatar has been signed.
Lawmakers pressed Hegseth on the aircraft’s legal status, cost, and conversion timeline, but he refused to provide many details, citing the unclassified nature of the hearing. When Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) asked how long it would take to retrofit the jet to presidential standards, Hegseth declined to answer, sparking frustration. Reed criticized the lack of transparency, calling the deal “a bad deal for the American public” and a move to “gratify the president’s ego.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) pointed out that the original Air Force One replacements Trump contracted with Boeing in 2018 were already expected to be ready by 2028. He questioned the logic of spending up to $1.5 billion to retrofit the Qatari plane for what might amount to just a few months of use. Hegseth suggested delays with Boeing might justify the new jet but did not offer specifics.
Murphy also raised ethical concerns, noting Trump plans to transfer the aircraft to his presidential library after his term. Hegseth maintained the decision was driven by classified security needs, but Murphy concluded the investment seemed unnecessary given other national priorities.
When asked whether the U.S. or Qatar initiated the transfer talks, Hegseth refused to clarify. Trump claims Qatar offered the plane as a gift, while others suggest the Trump administration sought the deal.
Despite bipartisan concerns about the cost and optics, Trump has defended the move, stating, “I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’ but I thought it was a great gesture.”
