Trump Inaugurates $400 Million Air Force One Gifted by Qatar Amid Controversy
On June 19, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a customized Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, valued at $400 million, as a new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. Trump praised the plane as the world’s most luxurious and took his first flight to North Dakota for July 4 celebrations. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, condemned the gift as potential bribery and a constitutional violation, noting taxpayers spent an additional $400 million on upgrades and maintenance. Trump dismissed concerns, claiming minimal cost to the public.
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Trump says Qatari-donated Air Force One to get 'maxed out' upgrades after security questions
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 20, 2026, that the Qatari-donated Boeing 747 serving as Air Force One will be sent for 'maxed out' upgrades within about a month, following questions about its security features. Trump began using the jet on July 1 after accepting it as a gift, but unexpectedly switched to an older plane during a flight from Turkey to the UK on July 8 amid rising hostility with Iran. Experts had expressed concerns that the rapid refit by L3Harris Technologies may have left security gaps, including possible lack of missile-defense capabilities. The plane is a temporary replacement as Boeing struggles to deliver two purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion contract now four years behind schedule, with delivery expected in mid-2028. Separately, New York Times journalists who reported on the plane's security features were subpoenaed earlier in July.
Air Force TimesTrump says Qatari-donated Air Force One to get 'maxed out' upgrades after security concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 20, 2026, that the Qatari-donated Air Force One jet will be sent for 'maxed out' upgrades within about a month, following questions about its security features. Trump began using the plane on July 1 after accepting it as a gift from Qatar, but he unexpectedly switched to an older Air Force One on a flight from Turkey to the UK on July 8 amid rising tensions with Iran. The plane, refitted by L3Harris Technologies, serves as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver two purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion contract, now four years behind schedule and expected in mid-2028. Critics have questioned the plane's security, cost, and propriety of the gift. Separately, New York Times journalists who reported on the plane's security features were subpoenaed, and the Times is seeking to block the orders.
Defense NewsTrump Announces 'Maxed Out' Upgrades for Qatari-Donated Air Force One Amid Security Concerns
President Donald Trump announced on July 20, 2026, that the Qatari-donated Air Force One jet will be sent for 'maxed out' upgrades within about a month, following persistent questions about its security features. Trump began using the Boeing 747, refitted by L3Harris Technologies with a custom livery, on July 1 after accepting it as a gift from Qatar. However, he unexpectedly switched to an older Air Force One during a July 8 flight from Turkey to the UK amid rising hostility with Iran. Critics and experts have expressed concerns that the hastily renovated plane may lack adequate missile-defense capabilities. The New York Times, which reported on the security gaps, had its journalists subpoenaed earlier in July. The plane serves as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver two purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion contract now four years behind schedule, with delivery expected in mid-2028.
Military TimesTrump Says Qatar-Gifted Air Force One Will Get 'Maxed Out' Security Upgrades After Missile Defense Concerns
President Donald Trump announced on July 19, 2026, that the Qatar-gifted presidential jet will undergo additional upgrades to achieve 'maxed out' security, following concerns about its missile defense capabilities. The admission came after Trump was forced to switch to an older Air Force One jet while departing Turkey earlier this month, reportedly at the request of the Secret Service amid renewed tensions with Iran. Trump stated the plane has 'a lot of capability' but will go in for a month-long upgrade cycle. He did not specify what the upgrades will include, and it remains unclear whether the timeline is sufficient to match the security systems of older presidential planes. The Qatar-gifted jet has been touted by Trump as more luxurious than standard Boeing presidential aircraft, but this marks the first time he has acknowledged potential security deficiencies. The incident highlighted ongoing security concerns for the president, who noted he is 'number one on their list' regarding threats from Iran.
Forbes - BusinessScaramucci Blasts Trump's Qatari Jet as Symbol of 'Trump Effect'
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci criticized President Donald Trump's use of a retrofitted Qatari Air Force One jet, calling it an example of the 'Trump effect' where everything he touches turns 'to dogshit.' Speaking with Alex Wagner, Scaramucci referenced reports that Trump was forced to switch planes while returning from the NATO summit in Turkey due to Secret Service security concerns amid renewed tensions with Iran. Trump denied the swap was for security reasons, claiming he wanted to show the renovated plane to troops in the UK. Wagner noted two new Air Force One jets are being built with proper security, while Trump rushed the Qatari jet for luxury features like lie-flat seats. The New York Times first reported the security concerns. Trump switched back to the Qatari jet once in the UK for the remainder of the trip to the US.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Former Trump Official Scaramucci Blasts President's Use of Qatari Jet as Security Risk
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci criticized President Donald Trump's use of a retrofitted Qatari Air Force One jet during a trip returning from the NATO summit in Turkey. Speaking with host Alex Wagner, Scaramucci argued the plane swap exemplifies the 'Trump effect,' where everything the president touches turns problematic. The New York Times reported the switch was due to Secret Service security concerns amid renewed tensions with Iran, though Trump denied this, claiming he wanted to show the renovated plane to troops in the UK. Scaramucci compared the unfinished jet to other unfinished White House projects, saying 'if he touches it, it's gonna turn to dogshit.' Wagner noted two new secure Air Force One jets are under construction, questioning Trump's rush to use the Qatari jet for amenities like lie-flat seats.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)White House Grounds Trump's Qatari-Gifted Air Force One Over Security Concerns
The White House grounded President Donald Trump's new Air Force One jet, gifted by Qatar, amid security concerns following intelligence from Israel that Iran was plotting to assassinate Trump. Trump flew part of the way home from Turkey on the older Air Force One after the Secret Service advised the switch. The White House insists the jet has 'high-level security protocols,' but aviation experts question whether the rushed 10-month retrofit timeline was sufficient for complex upgrades like missile defense, secure communications, and counter-electromagnetic attack systems. The Air Force estimated upgrades would cost under $400 million, but experts and Democratic lawmakers place the figure around $1 billion. The administration plans to donate the plane to Trump's library foundation in 2029.
Forbes - BusinessTrump switches from older to Qatari-donated Air Force One during return from Turkey
President Donald Trump unexpectedly departed Turkey on an older Air Force One aircraft rather than the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new jet at RAF Mildenhall in Britain for the flight back to Washington. The switch followed months of scrutiny over the luxury gift, which was intended as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics questioned the cost, security, and pace of the retrofit. Trump claimed he used the older plane 'for old time's sake' and so service members could tour the new jet. When asked if an assassination threat prompted the change, Trump acknowledged being 'number one on the kill list for Iran' but did not confirm a direct link. The Qatari-donated Boeing 747 was refitted by L3Harris Technologies, with some experts expressing concern it may not be as secure as existing Air Force One aircraft. The Boeing program to deliver two purpose-built 747-8s is now four years behind schedule, with costs exceeding $5 billion.
Defense NewsTrump switches from older to Qatari-donated Air Force One in Britain after Turkey NATO summit
President Donald Trump unexpectedly departed Turkey on Wednesday aboard an older Air Force One instead of the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new plane at RAF Mildenhall in Britain for the flight back to Washington. The switch followed months of scrutiny over the luxury gift, which was intended as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles with delayed next-generation Air Force One deliveries. Trump cited nostalgia and allowing service members to tour the aircraft as reasons. The trip occurred amid escalating hostilities with Iran, and Trump acknowledged being a potential assassination target, stating he is 'number one on the kill list for Iran.' Critics questioned the retrofit's cost, estimated over $1 billion, and security concerns. The new plane, a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar and refitted by L3Harris, features a livery chosen by Trump. Boeing's purpose-built 747-8s are now four years behind schedule, with delivery not expected until mid-2028.
Military TimesTrump switches Air Force One planes mid-trip, flies older jet out of Turkey
President Donald Trump unexpectedly departed Turkey on an older Air Force One aircraft, rather than the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new plane at RAF Mildenhall in Britain for the flight back to Washington. The switch followed months of scrutiny over the luxury gift, which was intended as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver next-generation Air Force One planes. Trump stated he used the older plane 'for old time's sake' and so the new jet could stop at the British base for U.S. service members to tour. The trip occurred amid escalating hostilities with Iran, and Trump acknowledged being a potential target. Critics have raised concerns about the cost, security, and pace of the retrofit, with Democratic lawmakers estimating conversion costs exceeded $1 billion.
Defense NewsTrump switches from old to new Air Force One in Britain after leaving Turkey
President Donald Trump unexpectedly departed Turkey on Wednesday aboard an older Air Force One aircraft instead of the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new plane at RAF Mildenhall in Britain for the flight back to Washington. Trump claimed the switch was so U.S. service members could tour the new aircraft, but he also acknowledged being 'number one on the kill list for Iran' when asked about assassination threats. The Qatari-donated Boeing 747, refitted by L3Harris, has faced scrutiny over its estimated $1 billion conversion cost and security concerns. The stopgap plane was needed because Boeing's purpose-built next-generation Air Force One is four years behind schedule, with delivery not expected until mid-2028.
Military TimesTrump flies old Air Force One out of Turkey, switches to new jet in Britain for trip home
President Donald Trump unexpectedly departed Turkey on an older Air Force One aircraft rather than the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet that brought him to the NATO summit. He later boarded the new plane at RAF Mildenhall in Britain for the return flight to Washington. The switch followed months of scrutiny over the luxury gift, which was intended as a temporary replacement while Boeing struggles to deliver next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics questioned the cost, security, and pace of the retrofit, with Democratic lawmakers estimating conversion costs exceeded $1 billion. Trump stated he used the older plane 'for old time's sake' and so service members could tour the new jet. When asked if an assassination threat from Iran prompted the change, Trump did not answer directly but acknowledged being 'number one on the kill list for Iran.' The trip occurred as hostilities with Iran escalated.
Defense NewsTrump Flails When Asked Why He Isn't Flying His New Plane Home
At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, President Donald Trump was questioned by reporters about why he was not flying the newly renovated, Qatar-gifted Air Force One plane home. Trump gave a vague explanation that the plane would be flown to European bases for soldiers to see. However, analysts and critics speculated that the real reason was security concerns, as the new jet may lack self-defense capabilities needed amid a shooting war with Iran. The Air Force spent $400 million renovating the plane, which is valued at $400 million and will eventually be transferred to Trump's presidential library foundation for his potential use as a private citizen. The article also briefly mentions the Trump administration sending election monitors to several states.
The New RepublicTrump Questioned on Not Flying New Qatari-Gifted Plane Home from NATO Summit
At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, President Donald Trump was asked by reporters why he was not flying his newly renovated, Qatar-gifted plane back to the United States. Trump deflected, comparing himself to a racecar driver and bull rider, and claimed the plane was being flown to European military bases so soldiers could see it. However, analysts and critics expressed skepticism. Andrew Feinberg of The Independent suggested the plane lacks self-defense capabilities needed for flying from Turkey amid a shooting war with Iran, unlike the standard VC-25 Air Force One. Anti-Trump activist George Conway speculated the plane may not have full security upgrades because Trump wants to keep it after leaving office. The Air Force spent approximately $400 million renovating the jet, which is valued at $400 million and will be transferred to Trump's presidential library foundation in 2029 for potential private use.
The New RepublicDonald Trump takes first flight on Qatar-gifted Air Force One
U.S. President Donald Trump made his first flight aboard a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by the Qatari government, calling it 'unlike anything ever seen.' The heavily modified Boeing 747-8, donated by Qatar, underwent major modifications and testing. Trump praised the plane's quality and security features, stating the U.S. 'couldn't build a plane like this' due to cost. The flight comes amid ethical scrutiny over the gift, which critics say raises constitutional and security concerns. Trump dismissed the criticism, claiming the cost to taxpayers was minimal. The plane serves as a stopgap until new purpose-built Air Force Ones are delivered. The trip was to North Dakota for 250th anniversary celebrations.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trump Shows Off Qatari Jet, Avoids Answering Cost Questions
President Donald Trump announced his first trip on a Qatari jet gifted to him last year, touting it as a free replacement for the aging Air Force One. During a press conference at Joint Base Andrews, Trump bragged about the plane but dodged a reporter's question on how much it cost American taxpayers to upgrade. The jet, valued at $400 million, is one of the largest presidential gifts ever. The Air Force has spent approximately $400 million on renovations, including cabin layout, communications, and security upgrades, not including ongoing maintenance costs. Trump framed the gift as a contribution from Qatar's Emir, calling the country a great ally.
The New RepublicTrump Shows Off Qatari Jet, Avoids Answering How Much Taxpayers Paid for Upgrades
President Donald Trump announced his first trip on a Qatari jet gifted to him last year, touting it as a 'free' replacement for the aging Air Force One. During a press conference at Joint Base Andrews, Trump bragged about the plane but dodged a reporter's direct question on how much American taxpayers spent to upgrade it. The jet, valued at $400 million, required approximately $400 million in renovations by the Air Force for cabin layout, communications, and security upgrades, not including ongoing maintenance costs. Trump framed the jet as a gift from Qatar's Emir, calling it a contribution to the country, while critics note the significant taxpayer expense.
The New RepublicTrump Showcases Gifted Qatari Jet, Avoids Cost Questions
President Donald Trump announced his first trip on a Boeing 747 jet gifted by Qatar last year, touting it as a 'free' Air Force One replacement. While bragging about the plane outside Joint Base Andrews, he dodged a reporter's question about taxpayer costs for upgrades. The jet, valued at $400 million, received approximately $400 million in renovations from the Air Force for cabin layout, communications, and security systems, not including ongoing maintenance. Critics highlight the contradiction between the president's 'free' claim and the significant public expenditure.
The New RepublicTrump Unveils $400 Million Government Jet Gifted by Qatar
US President Donald Trump has publicly presented a new government aircraft, a Boeing 747 valued at approximately $400 million, which was received as a gift from Qatar. The unveiling has sparked criticism within the United States over the acceptance of such a costly gift from a foreign nation. Trump defended the acquisition, describing the plane as the most luxurious aircraft in the world. The report, published by Die Welt on June 20, 2026, highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the gift and the president's justification for accepting it.
Nachrichten - WELTControversial $400 Million Gift: Trump Thanks Qatar for New Air Force One
On June 19, 2026, US President Donald Trump officially inaugurated a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar, valued at $400 million. At the ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Trump praised the plane as the most luxurious in the world, thanking Qatar for its generosity. The gift has drawn massive criticism from Democratic Party representatives, who call it bribery and foreign interference. To address ethical concerns, the donation was officially made to the Department of Defense. Trump further raised eyebrows by stating the plane would eventually go to his future presidential library, which critics say violates the US Constitution's ban on accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent. The aircraft, a customized Boeing 747, is slated for test flights before joining the active fleet and is expected to participate in the July 4, 2026 Independence Day celebrations.
Nachrichten - WELT