Upon his return to the White House from a weekend trip in Florida, US President Donald Trump arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 4, 2025. The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of accepting a luxury plane from the Qatari royal family that will be converted for use as Air Force One during the president’s second term. This unprecedented move has raised ethical and legal concerns due to the substantial value of the Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
As President Trump embarks on his first major foreign trip, including a visit to Doha, Qatar, it is revealed that the plane is being gifted by the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the Pentagon for the president’s use. The aircraft will undergo retrofitting by the Defense Department to include security features and modifications. Plans are underway for the plane to be eventually donated to Trump’s presidential library after his term ends.
Contrary to reports, Qatar’s media attaché to the US clarified that the gifting of the aircraft is still under consideration and subject to legal review. The Secret Service has expressed concerns about the security implications of receiving a plane from a foreign government for presidential use.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s efforts to renovate two 747 jets into new Air Force One aircraft have faced significant delays, with delivery now expected no sooner than 2027. President Trump’s recent tour of the luxury plane in Palm Beach highlighted concerns over project delays and cost overruns in the Air Force One replacement program.
President Trump expressed his frustration over the long delays in getting a new Air Force One aircraft. He mentioned that there was no excuse for the delay and indicated that he might consider purchasing a used 747 and having another company refurbish it for presidential use. The main challenge lies not in the aircraft itself, but in transforming a standard Boeing 747 into a secure and advanced communication and command center suitable for the President of the United States, as explained by Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory. Such a plane must be equipped to protect occupants from potential threats like missile attacks or nuclear blasts.
Acquiring a jet is one thing, but establishing encrypted communications and ensuring seamless management of military and government operations worldwide under any circumstances requires significant effort. This story has been updated with more information. CNN’s Betsy Klein, Kylie Atwood, Chris Isidore, and Josh Campbell contributed to this report.
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