US President Donald Trump has expressed excitement ahead of his first flight aboard the newly modified Air Force One gifted by Qatar, dismissing criticism surrounding the luxury aircraft and thanking the Gulf nation for its contribution.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews before departing for North Dakota, Trump described the aircraft as unlike anything seen before and praised the extensive modifications made to prepare it for presidential use.
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Trump said the Boeing 747-8 had been fitted with advanced security systems and other presidential requirements, calling the work “very complex” and saying he was looking forward to flying on the aircraft.
The president also claimed the United States “couldn’t build a plane like this,” despite the aircraft originally being manufactured by Boeing in the US before being donated by Qatar and extensively upgraded.
Gift Sparks Ethical Debate
The Qatari government donated the luxury jet last year, after which it underwent significant modifications and testing before entering service.
The gift has drawn criticism from political opponents and ethics experts, who have questioned the constitutional, ethical, and national security implications of accepting an aircraft worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a foreign government.
Trump rejected those concerns, arguing that adapting the aircraft cost US taxpayers far less than purchasing a new replacement.
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According to Trump, the Emir of Qatar insisted on donating the aircraft after the president inquired about using it, describing the gesture as a contribution to the United States.
The aircraft will serve as a temporary presidential jet until Boeing completes delivery of two new Air Force One aircraft, which have faced years of delays and cost overruns. The new planes are currently expected to enter service within the next two years.
Trump traveled to North Dakota aboard the aircraft to attend an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
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