President Trump has returned from the Middle East to mounting questions about whether it’s appropriate for him to accept a luxury Qatari jet to serve as the next Air Force One, including from Republicans increasingly dubious that the move is a smart and worthwhile idea.

Republicans have given the president a wide berth on a multitude of issues throughout his first four months in office as they push to enact his agenda. However, very few are rushing to his defense after he made clear he plans to accept the $400 million gift.

“It’s an unnecessary distraction,” one Senate Republican told The Hill about the GOP conference’s mood about the potential transaction.

Many Republicans believe the gift will not really be free given how long it will take to make the plane safe and secure enough to fly. That will also take a lot of time, leaving some Republicans saying Trump might be lucky to even fly on the plane at all before his term is over.

“This is like a combination of ‘Fixer Upper’ and ‘Pimp My Ride,’” the source said. “It’s going to cost a lot of money.”

Trump has long been frustrated with the situation surrounding Air Force One.

Much of his ire has been directed at Boeing, which was contracted to build two new planes to serve as Air Force One, but has been beset by delays and........

© The Hill