Trump Reveals $400 Million Boeing 747 as New Air Force One, Gifted by Qatar

President Donald Trump made his debut with the new Air Force One on Friday, June 19, at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. The 80-year-old commander-in-chief presented the $400 million Boeing 747, which marks a significant upgrade to presidential air transport.

The aircraft came as a generous offering from the Qatari government, though the arrangement carries financial implications for American taxpayers. While Qatar funded the $400 million purchase price, the U.S. government is expected to shoulder the costs of necessary modifications and upgrades—a bill that could reach approximately $1 billion, according to NBC News.

The gift drew scrutiny from critics, prompting Trump to address the controversy on Truth Social in the months prior. "Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done," he stated. "Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country."

During the unveiling ceremony, Trump spoke to attendees about the plane's design elements. "Everything was designed good. It was my taste, I will say. I like the color of the American flag, right? That makes sense," he remarked.

The President also addressed the fate of the aircraft currently serving as Air Force One. When questioned about plans for the existing planes, Trump indicated they would receive restoration work before finding their way into museums. "We'll get them fixed up a little bit, not like this one, and we'll do museums," he explained. "They're great planes, they're great history."