President Trump is scheduled to take his newly acquired presidential aircraft, Air Force One, on its inaugural flight Wednesday, traveling to North Dakota to inaugurate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This journey is part of the nationwide celebrations for America's 250th anniversary and includes a train ride on the BNSF Freedom 250 Train.
The president formally unveiled the new Boeing 747 jet, described as a gift from Qatar, last week. The aircraft features a red, white, blue, and gold color scheme, replacing the previous blue and white design. Trump personally selected the new colors, noting, "This is the sleekest line. Everything was designed good. It was my taste."
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated, "President Trump will make history twice in one day: boarding the new Air Force One for its maiden flight and traveling to the great State of North Dakota to dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library." She added that Trump, as "the ‘man in the arena,’" would deliver a fitting tribute to Theodore Roosevelt.
The flight will carry several administration officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong will join the president upon arrival. A ceremonial Rough Riders Troop on horseback will accompany the motorcade, evoking Theodore Roosevelt's legacy.
Aircraft Details and Context
The new aircraft, valued at $400 million, will serve as a "bridge" between the older Boeing 747s, some of which have been in service for over two decades and have faced maintenance issues. The president's previous aircraft experienced a turnaround mid-flight to Davos, Switzerland, due to mechanical problems, necessitating a switch to a smaller plane.
Two new Boeing 747s are currently under construction but have experienced delays, with their readiness pushed back from December 2024 to mid-2028. The acquisition of the new Air Force One as a gift from Qatar has drawn scrutiny regarding security and ethical concerns. However, administration officials maintain that the aircraft has undergone necessary refitting, security upgrades, and meets all FAA safety protocols.
A senior administration official assured that "no shortcuts were taken" and that the plane underwent a "thorough countersurveillance inspection." The aircraft is officially part of the Air Force fleet and will be designated "Air Force One" only when the president is aboard.
Presidential Itinerary
Following the dedication ceremony, President Trump plans to utilize the new aircraft for several upcoming events. He is scheduled to travel to South Dakota on Friday for a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore. On July 4th, the plane will fly over the White House and Capitol to commemorate Independence Day.
Future international travel plans include using the new Air Force One for an upcoming NATO summit in Turkey and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China in November.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, is situated in an area where Roosevelt spent time as a rancher. The library focuses on his conservation efforts, during which he placed approximately 230 million acres under federal protection, establishing national forests, wildlife refuges, national monuments, and parks.
All living presidents were invited to the library's opening, though only Trump is expected to attend. The library features an "In the Arena" gallery where presidents recite a portion of Theodore Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech. The exhibits incorporate AI and modern technology, with visitors potentially interacting with a virtual Theodore Roosevelt.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum drew parallels between Theodore Roosevelt and President Trump, stating, "TR was the president at the 125th, President Trump at the 250th—both of them transformative people who really shaped not just the US, but the world and the world order." The library is set to open to the public on July 4th.