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For President Donald Trump, accepting a free Air Force One replacement from Qatar is a no-brainer.
But Trump’s plan threatens to turn a global symbol of American power into an airborne collection of ethical, legal, security and counterintelligence concerns.
Trump tried to tamp down some of the opposition by saying he would donate the plane to a future presidential library after his term ends. Democrats are united in outrage over the plan.
Even some of the Republican president’s allies have expressed concerns.
Sen. Rick Scott, (R) Florida, says he is concerned about the president’s safety.
“I mean, Qatar's not, in my opinion, a great ally. I mean they support Hamas, and so what I'm worried about is the safety of President of the United States,” Scott said.
But Sen. Tommy Tuberville, (R) Alabama, is fine with the Department of Defense accepting it.
“He needs a newer plane, 40 years old. I'm sure there will be some money exchanged hands, probably trying to pay for it, trying to make it official. You know, we don't like handouts, but at the end of the day, they're trying to be nice with an American-made product. Let's go for it,” Tuberville said.
On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Mark Kelly, (D) Arizona, is calling the situation ridiculous.
“Gift, bribe, call it what you want. I imagine the government of Qatar would expect a return on this investment in the President of the United States. So, this is ridiculous to think that he can take this airplane,” Kelly said.
Trump will likely face persistent questions about the plane in the coming days as he travels to the Middle East.