Trump wants Qatar-gifted Air Force One in his presidential library, but hurdles remain: Report | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump has begun flying aboard a Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8, but his ambition to eventually display the aircraft in his planned presidential library in Miami faces several political, military and logistical obstacles, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports.
The aircraft is currently serving as a temporary VC-25B Air Force One “bridge” while Boeing completes two delayed next-generation presidential aircraft.
Why is Trump using the Qatar plane?
According to the news outlet, Trump has sought to replace the aging Air Force One fleet since his first term in office. In 2017, he ordered two new Boeing jets to serve as Air Force One, but the program has faced repeated delays, with the first plane now not expected to be delivered until mid-2028, months before Trump leaves office.
To fill the gap, the US Air Force sought an existing aircraft capable of carrying the president. A search revealed a VIP-configured Boeing 747-8 owned by the Qatari royal family.
Trump later viewed the plane in Palm Beach and said he first asked Qatar’s emir if he could use the plane temporarily. Instead, the emir offered to donate it to the US government. Ownership was transferred to the Air Force in spring 2025.
Why did the plane cause controversy?
News reports said the plane was valued at around $400 million when it was donated, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government.
The report added that the plane has since undergone about $400 million in taxpayer-funded military upgrades, including secure communications systems and defense equipment needed to safely carry the president.
Until Boeing delivers the next-generation Air Force One, the former Qatari jet is expected to remain Trump’s primary presidential aircraft, the statement said.
Why does Trump want this in his presidential library?
Trump wants the Boeing 747 to be the centerpiece of his planned presidential library in downtown Miami, similar to the retired Air Force One on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, the news outlet reported.
However, aviation experts said retired military aircraft undergo strict disposal procedures before they can be transferred to public display.
