Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) stated in a CNN interview that talks about Qatar providing a temporary replacement for Air Force One began during the Biden administration, not Trump’s. Mullin explained that the current presidential aircraft is over 40 years old and that its backup had structural issues.

He emphasized the need for a temporary solution, which prompted negotiations for a 747.

Former President Trump posted on Truth Social that the Department of Defense was receiving the aircraft as a free gift, criticizing Democrats for wanting to pay for it.

However, Qatar clarified that no final decision has been made, and discussions are ongoing.

Did you hear about the President Trump accepting a lavish gift from Qatar?
But did you hear this other part of the story?

Sen. Markwayne Mullin: "The same 747 has been in negotiation for a year. The Biden Administration is the one that started this conversations." pic.twitter.com/LVVKiLxMry

— Doge Observer (@DOGE_Observer) May 15, 2025