Senate Democrats question Pentagon chief about Trump’s Qatar jet security risks

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Twelve US Senate Democrats demanded answers from the Pentagon chief on "operational risks" of President Donald Trump's acceptance of a plane from Qatar.

"We write today with alarm over the dangers to operational and national security presented by President Trump’s desire to execute an unconstitutional and unseemly acceptance of a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft," the lawmakers, led by Tammy Duckworth, wrote in a letter Wednesday to Pete Hegseth.

During his visit to the Middle East, Trump said he would accept the Boeing 747 plane to serve as the next Air Force One.

"Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country," he said.

The senators said Trump's public statement about accepting the aircraft provides a "dangerous opportunity to exploit for foreign intelligence agencies and adversaries seeking to do harm" to the US.

"An unsecure and unprotected Air Force One presents clear dangers to our national security," they added.