Last Updated on 1 week by Ashley Michael
The Department of Defense under the Trump administration has officially accepted a luxury aircraft from Qatar to be modified as a future Air Force One.
The plane, a Boeing 747-8 originally used by Qatar’s royal family, is estimated to be worth around $400 million. It’s set to undergo extensive upgrades to meet the high-level standards of presidential transport, including advanced communication systems, security features, and interior redesigns to suit the needs of the Commander-in-Chief.
The decision comes as the current presidential aircraft—two aging VC-25A planes—continue to face delays in their scheduled replacement. With Boeing’s newer VC-25B program running behind, the Trump administration sought a faster solution, and the Qatari jet provided a convenient option.
President Trump defended the move as a pragmatic step, noting the potential cost savings and the urgency of modernizing presidential air travel. However, not everyone is on board with the decision. Critics, including some members of Congress and government watchdogs, are raising questions about the legality and optics of accepting a gift from a foreign government.
Concerns have been raised about whether this violates the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which restricts federal officials from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign states without congressional approval.
Despite the pushback, the Pentagon maintains that all legal protocols were followed in the process. Officials emphasized that the plane will be thoroughly retrofitted and secured to ensure it meets every requirement expected of Air Force One.
Experts have cautioned that while the aircraft may be state-of-the-art, modifying it to serve as the president’s official plane is no small task—and could take years and potentially cost more than the aircraft itself.
For now, the Trump administration is moving ahead, confident that the refitted Qatari jet will serve as a reliable and timely solution until newer U.S. replacements are fully ready to take flight.