President Donald Trump embarked on his first flight aboard a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar, departing for North Dakota to attend an America 250 celebration. The opulent aircraft, which Trump dubbed the "best plane ever built" and "appropriate for a President," features gold accents, a Presidential seal on the seatbelts, and large touchscreen displays.
Trump, accompanied by Donald Trump Jr., his wife Bettina Anderson, Eric Trump, Director of Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta, and Margo Martin, boarded the striking red, white, and blue jet on a personal red carpet. This plane serves as a temporary replacement for the aging official Air Force One fleet, which consists of Boeing 747-200s in service since 1990. Trump had previously expressed concerns that the new, custom Boeing replacements would not be ready before his term concludes in 2029.
The donation of the aircraft from Qatar last year has drawn significant criticism. Opponents have raised concerns about potential national security risks, legal roadblocks, and ethics violations, with some accusing the Middle Eastern emirate of attempting to buy presidential influence. White House officials have dismissed these concerns.
Political activist Laura Loomer called the jet a "stain" on the administration, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune had previously expressed hesitation, stating there would be "serious questions" surrounding the plane. Despite the controversy, the jet's schedule is already being filled. Following its maiden voyage, it is slated for a trip to Mount Rushmore before the Fourth of July, with Trump reportedly desiring a celebratory flyover of the U.S. Capitol on Independence Day itself. The aircraft is also expected to transport the President to Ankara, Turkey, for an upcoming NATO leaders' summit later this month.