President Donald Trump unveiled a new Boeing aircraft at Joint Base Andrews over the weekend, according to the BBC. The luxury jet was given last year as an unconditional gift to the U.S. Defense Department by Qatar’s government and royal family, and the U.S. military has now finished the modifications, which were estimated at about $400 million.
Trump said the plane had become a flying White House “at a level of luxury no one has ever seen before.” He praised its workmanship and materials, saying, “When you see it, you won’t believe it,” and added that the wood, materials and engines were exceptional, calling them “the best in the world.” He ended by thanking “the Emir of Qatar.”
The gift sparked sharp criticism when it was first disclosed last year from both major U.S. parties and some of Trump’s allies. Critics said accepting such an expensive gift could create a conflict of interest and might violate constitutional limits on federal gifts. The White House said the plane was entirely legal and promised it would later be donated to Trump’s presidential library archives after he leaves office.
The Air Force said the jet was repainted in red, white, blue and gold, with only minor interior changes. It also received advanced security systems, mission communications equipment and broad logistics support, and officials said any possible security threats tied to its previous ownership had been fully removed. The aircraft will serve Trump temporarily until Boeing delivers two delayed presidential jets. Meanwhile, one of the two original Boeing aircraft from the 1990s is being retired from operational service, and White House communications director Steven Cheung posted a photo of it with the caption, “Goodbye, and thank you for your loyal service.”
