President Donald Trump made his first official flight on a $400 million Air Force One gifted by Qatar, a Boeing 747 retrofitted with his preferred navy, red, and gold color scheme and luxurious interior. The customized jet is on its maiden voyage to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Despite ethical concerns surrounding the gift, Trump highlighted the generosity of the Middle Eastern nation, viewing the plane as a necessary upgrade from aging presidential aircraft. The temporary service of this jet precedes the delivery of new, purpose-built Air Force One planes expected in 2028.
Trump Debuts New Air Force One, A $400 Million Gift from Qatar
The retrofitted Boeing 747, adorned in Trump's preferred colors, makes its first official flight carrying the President to North Dakota.
President Donald Trump embarked on a significant journey Wednesday, taking his first flight aboard a newly retrofitted Air Force One. This particular aircraft, a Boeing 747 valued at $400 million, was a generous gift from Qatar and has been customized to reflect President Trump's distinct aesthetic preferences, embedding his personal style more deeply into the presidential experience.
U.S. President Donald Trump boards the newly retrofitted Air Force One on July 01, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Photo: Finn Gomez | Getty Images)
Departing from the traditional light blue hull, the refurbished jet now sports a striking navy belly complemented by bold red and gold stripes, a color scheme favored by President Trump. Inside, the aircraft boasts luxurious amenities, including plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling, and even a presidential seal emblazoned on the seat belts, features the president believes are fitting for the commander-in-chief and his entourage.
"You can do two things: You can low-key it, or you can show it," President Trump remarked to reporters about the opulent plane, expressing his pride in its design.
The President is en route to North Dakota, where he will be the inaugural visitor to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, ahead of its grand opening coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary.
The new Air Force One aircraft, with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard, departs for North Dakota on July 01, 2026, from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Photo: Finn Gomez | Getty Images)
The acceptance of the jet from the Middle Eastern nation did spark ethical debates. However, President Trump viewed the plane as a much-needed upgrade from the 35-year-old aircraft previously used for presidential travel. "This is a gift from a country that has treated us very well," he stated.
This Qatari-gifted jet will serve on a temporary basis. Boeing is slated to deliver long-delayed, purpose-built Air Force One aircraft in 2028, which will then permanently take on the presidential transport duties. President Trump has indicated that the Qatar plane is destined for a presidential library upon its retirement from national service.
The U.S. Air Force has clarified that minimal alterations were made to the original cabin layout, with expenditures primarily focused on security upgrades costing less than $400 million.
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