Donald Trump’s $400 Million Qatar‑Gifted Air Force One Sparks Ethics Debate and Library Plans

The U.S. Air Force is using a Boeing 747‑8, valued at about $400 million and donated by the Qatari government, as a temporary “bridge” Air Force One while two next‑generation presidential aircraft remain delayed until mid‑2028. The plane has been retrofitted with secure communications, defensive systems and other upgrades funded by roughly $400 million of U.S. taxpayer money.

President Donald Trump intends to showcase the aircraft at his future presidential library in Miami after his term ends. Congressional Democrats have introduced amendments to block the transfer, citing ethical concerns over accepting such a high‑value foreign gift and questioning whether the jet can be physically accommodated inside a skyscraper lobby. Logistical challenges include disassembling and moving the 250‑ft‑long aircraft, similar to procedures used for the historic VC‑137C displayed at the Ronald Reagan Library.

The aircraft’s interior, painted in a red‑white‑blue scheme, features luxurious seats, a private office and a bookshelf that has drawn online ridicule for containing apparent fake titles. The plane made its debut on a flight to North Dakota for a presidential library dedication, prompting further public scrutiny and debate over the propriety of the gift and its planned display.