The NYT has learned about US plans to spend almost $1 billion to repair Air Force One from Qatar

The Pentagon has secretly transferred $934 million from a nuclear missile modernization project to an unnamed secret project to repair and refit an Air Force One aircraft donated by Qatar. This was reported by The New York Times (NYT) on July 27.

"The more we learn about this deal, the more alarming it is," said Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

She also noted that the transfer of funds from the budget to repair the "vanity plane" of American President Donald Trump weakens national security.

At the same time, the official cost of the work has not been disclosed, however, according to experts, it may amount to about $ 1 billion. It will take a year or two to complete, during which time the aircraft will be equipped with the latest communication and protection systems.

The US Congress also expressed concern that Trump would put pressure on the country's Air Force to complete the work as quickly as possible, to the detriment of the necessary security measures.

Bring the East closer: Trump intends to sign mega-deals on a tour of the region

During negotiations with the Arab monarchs, the US president may also discuss the Ukrainian conflict.

CNN reported on May 20 that the Trump administration had taken the initiative to purchase a Boeing 747 for use as Air Force One, despite claims that Qatar itself had donated the aircraft to the US president. According to the newspaper, initially it was about renting an airplane, and not about its direct purchase. However, Trump has repeatedly described the potential deal as a gift from the Qatari royal family.

The Axios news portal reported on May 12 that Congressman from the US Democratic Party Richie Torres demands to launch an investigation into Trump's plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 worth about $ 400 million as a gift from the royal family of Qatar for use as the presidential Air Force One aircraft.

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