NSL4A Raises Alarm Over Operational Security Concerns of Qatari “Gift” of New Air Force One, Calls for Congressional Oversight
May 14, 2025
Washington, DC, May 14, 2025, National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to accept a Boeing 747 jet from the Qatari royal family to become the new Air Force One. NSL4A is calling on Congress to fulfill its role in overseeing national security and operational security standards.
“As veterans of the military, intelligence community, National Security Council, and diplomatic corps, we are deeply alarmed by the profound operational security risks inherent in accepting any aircraft from a foreign government, let alone from a regime with reported financial ties to terrorist organizations,” said retired Rear Admiral Mike Smith, NSL4A President and Founder.
Accepting this gift is an unacceptable risk to America’s National Security. “Air Force One is not merely a mode of transportation; it is a ‘flying White House’ where the most sensitive national security discussions occur,” noted NSL4A board member and former Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters, adding “It must meet security standards equal to or exceeding those of the Situation Room. An aircraft from a foreign entity can not provide the same level of assurance.”
This incident is just the latest in a troubling pattern of operational security lapses. NSL4A once again calls upon bipartisan members of Congress to assert congressional oversight of the executive branch’s adherence to operational security protocols. We urge Congress to void acceptance of this gift and call on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to:
Review all sensitive communications practices of senior national security officials.
Require classified reports that identify all unauthorized recipients of national security information, with justification and method of disclosure.
Enforce strict accountability for any violations or lapses.
“The potential for foreign surveillance, sabotage, or cyber exploitation is too great to ignore,” added Rear Admiral Smith. “This decision jeopardizes the lives of our service members and intelligence personnel worldwide.”
Operational security is not a slogan—it is a solemn responsibility. Congress must ensure the executive branch does everything in its power to safeguard the people, assets, and information that protect our democracy. That includes rejecting the gift of an aircraft whose security cannot be guaranteed.
National Security Leaders for America members are available for interviews on this issue. Click the button below to arrange an interview.
