Trump Takes First Flight on Qatar-Gifted $400 Million Jet as Upgrade Costs Near Another $400 Million
Updated
Updated · ms.now · Jul 2
Trump Takes First Flight on Qatar-Gifted $400 Million Jet as Upgrade Costs Near Another $400 Million
3 articles · Updated · ms.now · Jul 2
Summary
Trump boarded the Qatar-gifted luxury jet for the first time on Wednesday after defending it at Joint Base Andrews as a cheaper stopgap than other options.
About $400 million was spent to renovate the aircraft—covering cabin changes, communications and security upgrades—roughly matching the jet’s estimated $400 million value, though Trump said the taxpayer cost was "very little" by comparison.
The plane is intended as a bridge for the presidential fleet until two purpose-built Air Force One aircraft are expected to enter service in 2028.
The gift has drawn scrutiny because it is one of the largest presidential gifts on record and will still require ongoing taxpayer-funded maintenance after the initial overhaul.