President Donald Trump boarded a lavish, $400 million aircraft gifted by Qatar for his first flight aboard the plane, departing for North Dakota to attend an America 250 celebration. The striking red, white, and blue jet, which features a large American flag on its tail, was described by Trump as 'the best plane ever built' and made 'appropriate for a President.'
Accompanying the President on the inaugural ride were Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina Anderson, Eric Trump, Director of Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta, and Margo Martin. The interior of the press cabin was described as resembling a first-class section, with seats featuring built-in reading lights and large pop-up touchscreens. The cabin is accented with tan walls and carpets, gold light fixtures, and seatbelts bearing the Presidential seal.
The aircraft serves as a temporary replacement while the U.S. Air Force awaits the completion of two retrofitted Boeing planes. The current Air Force One fleet, consisting of modified Boeing 747-200s, has been in service since 1990 and is aging. Trump has previously expressed frustration with manufacturing setbacks for the official replacements, which he anticipated would not be ready before his term concludes in 2029.
The $400 million donation from Qatar has immediately sparked scrutiny, with critics raising alarms about potential national security threats, legal roadblocks, and ethics violations. The White House has dismissed these concerns. Political opponents have accused the Middle Eastern emirate of attempting to purchase presidential influence through the foreign donation.
Despite the controversies, the jet's itinerary is already scheduled. Following its maiden voyage to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication, the plane is slated for a trip to Mount Rushmore before the Fourth of July. Trump has expressed a desire for the aircraft to conduct a celebratory flyover above the U.S. Capitol on Independence Day.
Later this month, the jet is expected to transport the President to Ankara, Turkey, for an upcoming NATO leaders' summit. Some critics, like far-right political activist Laura Loomer, have called the jet a "stain" on the administration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also expressed hesitations, noting that the plane would attract serious questions.
