US begins preparing Qatari jet to be used as Air Force One

The aircraft - valued at $400m - is being donated by Qatar as an "unconditional gift", with any retrofitting costs being borne by the US government.

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The Boeing aircraft - valued at $400m (£300m) - is being donated by Qatar as an "unconditional" gift, with any necessary retrofitting costs being borne by the US government.

The deal has ignited criticism from both Trump's detractors and some allies, with a few calling it a "bribe" from a foreign power.

The White House has insisted that taking the aircraft is legal, and pledged that it will be donated to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office. Current rules suggest US officials can only accept gifts under $480.

According to a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US defence department seen by CBS, the aircraft will be donated "as is", with the Pentagon overseeing all the modifications necessary before it can be used as part of Air Force One - the president's official mode of air transport.