Donald Trump unveils Qatar‑gifted Air Force One for US presidency

President Donald Trump formally introduced a refurbished Boeing 747 that Qatar donated to the United States as a temporary Air Force One. The aircraft, painted in navy blue with a red stripe and a large American flag on the tail, replaces the traditional blue‑white livery and is being described by Trump as a “flying White House” with unprecedented luxury. The gift, valued at about $400 million, has been modified to meet stringent Air Force One safety standards and will serve until new presidential 747‑8 jets ordered directly from Boeing are delivered, a schedule now pushed to 2028.

Trump highlighted the plane’s woodwork, materials and engines, stating that its quality “surpasses anything seen before.” He announced that the aircraft will lead a formation during the July 4 celebrations in Washington and will be used on upcoming trips to Turkey and China in 2026. The acceptance of the Qatar gift has sparked ethical debate in the United States over the propriety of receiving such an expensive foreign‑government donation.