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[POLITICS] · United States, Qatar · 81 sources

Donald Trump unveils Qatar‑gifted Air Force One

President Donald Trump publicly unveiled a newly refurbished Boeing 747‑8 at Joint Base Andrews on 19 June 2026. The aircraft, valued at about $400 million, was donated by Qatar and painted in a red, white, dark‑blue and gold livery chosen by Trump. He called it “the most luxurious plane in the world,” saying, “No habrá nunca uno como este.”

The jet has been designated VC‑25B Bridge and will serve as a temporary “bridge” aircraft while Boeing’s delayed VC‑25B replacement program, originally slated for delivery in 2028, is completed. The Air Force is conducting certification and test flights before it joins the presidential fleet. Modifications, performed by defense contractor L3Harris, focus on security, communications and mission‑critical systems; the interior remains largely unchanged.

The Pentagon accepted the gift despite ethical and security concerns raised by Democrats, who argue the $400 million jet may constitute an improper foreign influence. Trump announced the aircraft will lead an aerial fly‑over for the United States’ 250th‑anniversary celebrations on 4 July.

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