US is beginning to prepare a Qatari aircraft to be used as Air Force One

Preparation is planned to rethink the Qatari Jambo Airplane, which is expected to serve as Air Force for President Donald Trump, CBS, US news on BBC reports.

The Boeing aircraft – worth $ 400 million (£ 300 million) – is donated by Qatar as an “unconditional” gift, with all the necessary costs of modernization being borne by the US government.

The deal has lit the criticism of both Trump’s offenders and some allies, and several call it a “bribe” of foreign force.

The White House insisted that the reception of the aircraft was legal and promised that it would be donated to the Trump Presidential Library after leaving office. These rules suggest that US officials can only accept gifts below $ 480.

According to a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US Department of Defense, seen by CBS, the aircraft will be donated “as it is”, with the Pentagon exceeding all the modifications necessary before it can be used as part of the official air transport – the official air transport of the president.

The aircraft will also need to undergo security checks, including monitoring vacations or espionage devices before it can work.

“Nothing in this memorandum of understanding is either not interpreted or interpreted as a proposal, promise or accepting any form of bribery, unnecessary influence or corrupt practice,” the document said. “The parties confirm that the donation is a gift for bone.”

News that the US is accepting the Qataric plane earlier this year caused a fierce and immediate reaction On both sides of the US political spectrum – including Trump’s conservative base.

“I think the technical term is” skes, “said the conservative daily commentator of Wire Ben Shapiro in his podcast.

“Qatar is not claimed that President Trump is $ 400 million from the goodness of their sweet little hearts,” he said. “They are trying to make money in pockets in fully bilateral fashion.”

Laura Lomer, an influential influence on the right social media, said the aircraft will be a “spot” to the administration.

The BBC contacted the White House and the Pentagon for comment on the plans.

The present Presidential Navy includes two 747-200 aircraft that have been operating since 1990, Along with a set of smaller and somewhat secrets 757s.

In February, the US President said he was not “pleased” with the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing over two aircraft at the New Air Force One, which he expected to receive directly from the company.

At that time, he suggested that the administration “buy an airplane or to receive an airplane or something.”

Previously, Trump called the gift from Qatar a “big gesture” that he would be “stupid” to reject.

But critics say the donation may be unconstitutional.

California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff cites a section of the US Constitution, which states that the selected employees cannot accept “any present … of any kind” by a foreign government without congress approval.

According to these rules, US officials can accept gifts estimated only at less than $ 480 (358 pounds) – making the gift on the aircraft extremely unusual.

The White House receded on any proposal that the donation would be illegal.

“The legal details of this are still being developed,” said press secretary Carolyn Levitic earlier this year. “Of course, every donation to the government is always made in full compliance with the law.”

Trump suggested that the plane would go to the Library after leaving the White House. Presidential libraries usually house an archive of documents and a privately funded Memorial Museum.

The total cost of modernizing the aircraft remains uncertain, but experts agree that it can be extremely expensive.

Modifications will include the installation of modern security systems, the ability to charge medium -sized flights and protection against electromagnetic pulses from nuclear explosions.

Defense experts have suggested that modernization can come across hundreds of millions – or possibly a billion dollars.

An anonymous Defense official told CBS that the funds could be redirected from the over -financied Sentinel system, which focuses on the creation of ground intercontinental ballistic missiles to replace the aging platforms of the Cold War era.