President Donald Trump on 19 June 2026 formally unveiled a Boeing 747-8 jet donated by Qatar that will operate as an interim Air Force One, designated VC-25B Bridge. The aircraft, repainted in a red, white, blue and gold livery chosen by Trump, has completed government-directed security and communications modifications and is set to begin commissioning flights before entering presidential service. Its introduction follows the retirement of one of the two ageing VC-25A planes that have transported US presidents since 1990, with the White House confirming that the older aircraft’s final mission was Trump’s return from the G7 summit in France.

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Trump described the jet as a “flying White House” and “the world’s most luxurious plane,” thanking the Emir of Qatar for what he characterised as a cost-saving gift. The US Air Force stated that the aircraft meets rigorous presidential security standards and that modifications prioritised mission capabilities, leaving much of the previous head-of-state interior intact. The Pentagon formally accepted the aircraft last year, and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink emphasised that “the safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority.” The Air Force has said the conversion cost would remain below $400 million.

The acceptance of a foreign government’s gift valued at hundreds of millions of dollars has drawn sharp criticism. Democratic lawmakers and ethics experts in Washington argue that the arrangement raises constitutional questions under the Emoluments Clause and creates potential conflicts of interest. A Harvard/Harris poll found that 62 percent of American voters viewed the gift as ethically problematic. Trump has dismissed the criticism, stating it would be “stupid” to reject the offer, and has indicated the aircraft will eventually be donated to his future presidential library. The Qatari government has not publicly addressed the controversy, framing the donation as a gesture of bilateral cooperation.

The new aircraft will serve as a stopgap while Boeing works to deliver two purpose-built VC-25B jets under a $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018. That programme is four years behind schedule, with costs exceeding $5 billion, and delivery is not expected until mid-2028 — a timeline that may extend beyond Trump’s current term. The Air Force confirmed that the remaining VC-25A will continue to operate alongside the bridge aircraft, and that the new colour scheme will be applied to other government executive transports. Commissioning flights are to begin shortly, with the jet expected to lead a flyover during Independence Day celebrations on 4 July and to carry the president to the NATO summit in Ankara the following month.