Overview
- President Donald Trump took the first presidential flight on the Qatar‑donated VC‑25B on Wednesday, July 1, using a luxury Boeing 747‑8 that has been refitted as a temporary 'bridge' aircraft.
- The White House and Pentagon say Qatar formally gifted the plane to the U.S. and the Defense Department accepted it to avoid direct foreign‑gift issues under the Constitution.
- The Air Force has told officials the retrofit ran under $400 million, but investigative reports and experts say classified security work and possible secret budget shifts could push true costs toward or above $1 billion.
- Photos and descriptions show lavish interior changes and dense classified systems that limit public disclosure and complicate congressional oversight of funding and technical work.
- Lawmakers, ethics groups and some conservative commentators have criticized the deal, and congressional reviews and public displays including a planned July 4 presentation keep questions about influence, transparency and procurement impact on the near‑term agenda.