Overview
- President Trump boarded and used the Qatar-donated Boeing 747 for travel on July 1 when he flew from Andrews Air Force Base to North Dakota for a Theodore Roosevelt library event.
- The government accepted the donated 747 from Qatar, had it refurbished for presidential use, and officials have designated it as an interim Air Force One.
- Trump praised the aircraft to reporters, saying he felt pride in the plane as he prepared to board.
- Reports say the interim jet may take part in a July 4 celebratory flyover over Washington, D.C., though that plan has been described in coverage as expected rather than formally confirmed.
- The administration plans to field a newly procured presidential aircraft around 2028, and critics have raised legal, ethical and security questions about accepting a high-value foreign gift for long-term use.