Funds designated for nuclear missiles allegedly diverted for updates on Trump's revamped Air Force One aircraft.
In a significant development, concerns have been raised by Democratic lawmakers about the acquisition of a foreign jet to serve as President Trump's Air Force One. However, it's important to clarify that there is no credible information or evidence suggesting any money was diverted from the Sentinel nuclear missile program, a massive and highly expensive effort, to modify the former Qatari royal jet.
The Sentinel program, with projected costs now around $140.9 billion, is a complex endeavour, primarily due to inflation, infrastructure upgrades, and major technical challenges like the need to build new silos rather than retrofit old ones. Reports on cost overruns and budget reassessments regarding Sentinel do not mention or suggest any reallocation of funds for presidential aircraft modifications.
The modification of the former Qatari jet, a Boeing 747-8, into the presidential transport is expected to take "just short of a year" and is estimated to cost less than $400 million. The Air Force Secretary, Troy E. Meink, has stated that this move will not delay the Sentinel's progress.
Meanwhile, the Air Force is seeking $602 million for the VC-25B in 2026, if delivered as planned, the planes could arrive in October 2027 at the earliest. On the other hand, the Sentinel program is fully funded to execute as quickly as possible.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) have expressed concerns about the financial waste and ethical issues of the modified Qatari jet. Sen. Shaheen, in particular, has raised concerns about the jet's limitations for domestic travel and the need for a fighter escort.
The Air Force is also reconsidering its requirements for the new land-based nuclear missiles to rein in spending and speed their delivery. The Air Force Secretary, Troy E. Meink, stated that the move to divert funding from its delayed new nuclear missile program to modify the Qatari jetliner was necessary.
The total acquisition cost for the two VC-25B planes is now estimated at $6.2 billion. It's unclear how much money the Air Force shifted from Sentinel to retrofit the Qatari jetliner. The Air Force is also asking Congress for funding to develop the new land-based nuclear missiles, potentially up to $2.5 billion.
In conclusion, while concerns about the modification of the former Qatari jet and the funding for the Sentinel program have been raised, there is no evidence to suggest that any money from the Sentinel missile program has been diverted for the modification of President Trump's Air Force One.
- The Sentinel program, with a projected cost of $140.9 billion, has faced challenges in its execution due to factors such as inflation, infrastructure upgrades, and technical difficulties.
- Reports regarding cost overruns and budget reassessments related to Sentinel do not mention or suggest any reallocation of funds for the modification of presidential aircraft.
- The Air Force Secretary, Troy E. Meink, has confirmed that the modification of the former Qatarian jet will not delay the Sentinel's progress.
- Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Murphy have raised concerns about the financial waste and ethical issues surrounding the modified Qatari jet, particularly its limitations for domestic travel and the need for a fighter escort.
- The Air Force is currently seeking funding for the development of new land-based nuclear missiles, potentially up to $2.5 billion.
- There is no evidence to suggest that any money from the Sentinel missile program has been diverted for the modification of President Trump's Air Force One, despite concerns to the contrary.
