As President Trump faced mounting pressure to update the aging Air Force One fleet, negotiations led to a surprising agreement with Qatar for a luxury Boeing 747-8.
Trump's Quest for a New Air Force One: Inside the Qatar Deal

Trump's Quest for a New Air Force One: Inside the Qatar Deal
Amid delays in the Boeing contract, Trump pursues an immediate solution for Air Force One by acquiring a luxury jet from Qatar.
In May 2025, President Trump confronted a critical issue: the outdated Air Force One jets that had been in service since George H.W. Bush's administration. With a $3.9 billion contract for new Boeing aircraft delayed past the 2024 deadline, Trump sought a swift resolution. "We’re the United States of America," he asserted, desiring a state-of-the-art aircraft for his presidency.
After discussions within the military and White House, a plan emerged to secure a luxury Boeing 747-8, which had struggled to find a buyer from Qatar for years. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, facilitated the coordination. On May 11, Trump publicly announced that Qatar would provide the jet as a "GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE." However, concerns lingered over the financial practicality of retrofitting and maintaining the jet, and whether it could be operational before the end of Trump's term.
The deal highlights not only Trump's urgency for a new Air Force One but also the complexities of procuring military assets and the intricate relationships between nations. As the administration navigates these challenges, questions arise over the effectiveness of such decisions in fulfilling the presidential promise of an impressive Air Force One.
The unfolding narrative continues to evoke discussions about presidential image, national pride, and the logistics of modern governance.
After discussions within the military and White House, a plan emerged to secure a luxury Boeing 747-8, which had struggled to find a buyer from Qatar for years. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, facilitated the coordination. On May 11, Trump publicly announced that Qatar would provide the jet as a "GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE." However, concerns lingered over the financial practicality of retrofitting and maintaining the jet, and whether it could be operational before the end of Trump's term.
The deal highlights not only Trump's urgency for a new Air Force One but also the complexities of procuring military assets and the intricate relationships between nations. As the administration navigates these challenges, questions arise over the effectiveness of such decisions in fulfilling the presidential promise of an impressive Air Force One.
The unfolding narrative continues to evoke discussions about presidential image, national pride, and the logistics of modern governance.