President Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Boeing's slow progress on refurbishing Air Force One, highlighting that the current aircraft is outdated compared to other nations' jets. He also accepted Qatar's proposal of a luxury jet valued at $400 million, raising ethical concerns regarding potential political ramifications. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that all gifts from foreign governments follow legal guidelines. Trump is set to visit Qatar shortly, although the aircraft will not be presented during his trip, ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
"We're very disappointed that it's taking Boeing so long to build a new Air Force One," Trump told reporters at the White House - noting that the current presidential aircraft is 40 years old and not in the same 'ball game' as current planes used by other heads of state.
The offer by Qatar has raised alarms among ethics watchdogs, who have raised questions about the possibility of a quid pro quo expectation of Washington by Doha.
"Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
A White House official told The Post Monday that the plane will neither be presented nor accepted during Trump's time in the emirate.
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