Trump unveils new Air Force One, a $400 million plane gifted by Qatar
The $400 million Boeing 747-8 will begin commissioning flights after extensive security upgrades, the Air Force said.
- On Friday, June 19, 2026, President Donald Trump unveiled the VC-25B 'Bridge' at Joint Base Andrews, a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 designated as interim Air Force One.
- Supply chain issues delayed Boeing's replacement jets until 2028, prompting the Air Force to accept Qatar's donation to relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet.
- Trump praised the aircraft as a "flying White House," highlighting its luxury finishes and new red, white, and navy livery replacing the pale blue design conceived by Jacqueline Kennedy.
- The aircraft will undergo commissioning flights before entering service; Trump confirmed it will lead a July 4 flyover and transport him to a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, next month.
- Some lawmakers and ethics experts have questioned the propriety and security of accepting an expensive foreign gift, though the administration maintains the arrangement is legal.
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Trump can now use modified Qatari jet as Air Force One
The Qatari-government-donated "VC-25B Bridge” jet is now in the hands of the Presidential Airlift Group at Joint Base Andrews, MD, and is on track to begin flying, the service announced on Friday. “The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a statement. "From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standard…
NEW: Trump Unveils Stunning New Air Force One Amid Cheer From Proud Airmen
President Donald Trump’s recent unveiling of the new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews signifies more than just a new aircraft; it embodies American strength and tradition. This transformation of a jet once owned by the Qatari government into a state-of-the-art “flying White House” reflects a commitment to modernization while honoring the legacy of presidential transportation. The old VC-25A models have served for over three decades, but as Pr…
Taxpayer-Funded ‘Palace’ Becomes Air Force One
A $400 million “flying palace” from a foreign monarchy is now America’s new Air Force One—paid for by U.S. taxpayers and headed eventually to Trump’s presidential library. Story Snapshot Qatar gave the Pentagon a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet worth about $400 million to serve as an interim Air Force One. The Pentagon says the jet was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations” as an unconditional government-to-government gift. Taxp…
The machine was handed over to Qatar last year. After a conversion, it will go into service on July 4th for Independence Day.
They withdraw and stop flying, although it has soon been made clear that it is not. Like so many things related to the current president of the United States, the reality is more convoluted than the headline. Ronald Reagan commissioned them in the 80s, although the fortieth president never made it. He did it 41st, George Bush father, and also his successors: Clinton, Bush son, Obama, Trump, Biden... and again Trump. He did it reluctantly, becaus…
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