Donald Trump receives Qatar‑gifted interim Air Force One

President Donald Trump accepted a new VC‑25B Bridge aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, a Boeing 747‑8 modified as an interim Air Force One. The jet was presented as a gift from the Qatari government and will fill the gap until two new presidential planes, expected around 2029‑2030, enter service.

Trump used the ceremony to announce planned trips to Turkey for a NATO summit and a future visit to China, while also issuing remarks on Iran, praising Israel’s Prime Minister and commenting on other foreign policy issues. He promised a historic fly‑over of Washington on July 4 and highlighted the aircraft’s new livery—dark blue, red and gold. The White House indicated that test flights will begin soon to certify the plane’s safety and performance. The donation has raised ethical and constitutional questions about foreign gifts to a sitting U.S. president.