Trump Displays Qatari Jet as Temporary Air Force One

A Boeing 747-8 formerly owned by Qatar arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Friday as the new temporary presidential aircraft. The plane, valued at $400 million, replaces one of the two VC-25As that had carried presidents for more than thirty years and will serve until Boeing delivers two new VC-25Bs now scheduled for 2028.

The Department of Defense accepted the aircraft last year after U.S. personnel completed security modifications that the Air Force described as following a disciplined engineering process. Much of the original head-of-state interior was retained. The jet now carries a red, white, and navy color scheme chosen by the president, a presidential seal on the forward fuselage, and a large American flag on the tail.

Trump spoke inside the hangar to several hundred Air Force personnel. He said the plane had been turned into a flying White House at a level of luxury never seen before and noted that it would fly over July 4 celebrations next month and carry him to the NATO summit in Ankara. He added that the United States had been in a logjam waiting for the delayed Boeing aircraft and that the Qatari jet would later go to a presidential library.

The Air Force stated that any aircraft designated Air Force One must meet rigorous security requirements and that both the modified Qatari jet and the two existing VC-25As will remain available for presidential missions. Selection for each flight will be made by the Presidential Airlift Group based on operational needs.

Lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about the acceptance of such a large gift from a foreign government. The transfer is governed by the Foreign Emoluments Clause and the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, which require congressional consent in certain circumstances. No statute imposes a $50 annual cap on foreign gifts to the government.