Trump takes first flight on new Air Force One gifted by Qatar, renewing corruption and influence concerns

A maiden flight to North Dakota

President Trump departed Joint Base Andrews on 1 July aboard the reconfigured Boeing 747-8, headed to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. The trip marks the opening event for the 250th anniversary of US independence celebrations. Before boarding, Trump told reporters it was "the greatest commercial plane ever built" and that he was excited for the first flight.

The controversial gift and personal reward

The aircraft was originally offered by the Qatari royal family and accepted by the White House in May 2025. While the administration describes it as a temporary bridge until new presidential jets arrive, the terms of the deal provide for the plane to be donated to Trump’s presidential library when he leaves office. Senior officials have confirmed the arrangement, which could make the jet available for his personal use after 2028. The revelation drew sharp condemnation: Democrats labelled the gift "blanke Korruption" (sheer corruption) and threatened parliamentary protests.

Luxury interior and security retrofit

Inside, the converted jet boasts leather reclining seats, thick carpets, gold light fixtures, wood panelling, and seat belts embossed with the presidential seal. The exterior colours (dark navy, white, red and gold) reflect Trump’s personal taste and replace the classic light-blue livery from the Kennedy era.

“They made it appropriate for a president, that means the security and all the different bells and whistles they put on, very complex stuff.”

Air force officials said upgrades focused on operational and security requirements, including a new communications system, while leaving much of the Qatari interior intact.

Costs, delays and taxpayer exposure

Estimates for the refit vary. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told Congress the cost would be "probably less than $400 million". Other reports put the conversion expense at around $1 billion. The plane itself is valued at about $400 million by most outlets, though the New York Times cited a $200 million figure from the royal family.

The 747-8 is a stopgap. Two dedicated presidential Boeing VC-25B jets, ordered in 2018, have been repeatedly delayed and are not expected before 2028. Their combined projected cost has climbed from $3.7 billion to $5 billion. Trump defended the arrangement, saying the US spent "very little" on upgrades relative to what a fully new build would have cost.

Political and legal backlash

The gift has intensified bipartisan conflict-of-interest fears. Lawmakers argue a foreign government can buy influence over the president. The White House insists the donation complies with all relevant laws. Former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James noted in 2015 that the Boeing 747-8 is the only US-built aircraft meeting presidential mission requirements, but critics say the transfer creates a dangerous precedent.

“This was a gift from a country that’s treated us very well, and they’re an ally of the US over in the Middle East, Qatar.”

On Tuesday, financial disclosure forms showed Trump’s 2025 income at more than $2.2 billion, including a $50 million investment by a UAE-linked firm in the Trump family crypto venture World Liberty Financial. The pattern of foreign-linked revenue has added fuel to the corruption allegations.