APDonald Trump’s decision to temporarily adopt a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet—gifted by Qatar—as Air Force One could saddle U.S. taxpayers with more than double the cost of the current aircraft, experts warn.
The Qatari-owned aircraft, valued at around $400 million, would require extensive modifications to meet Air Force One's stringent security and operational standards, potentially pushing total expenses past $1 billion, according to three aviation specialists who spoke to NBC News.
Trump announced that the jet would serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until Boeing completes two new Air Force One replacements—already behind schedule and over budget. The new planes were originally due in 2024, but may not be ready until 2029. Trump, who is serving a second term, said the Qatari aircraft would eventually be transferred to his presidential library foundation.
A Costly and Complex Conversion
Experts say modifying the Qatari plane could take years, possibly into the 2030s. The aircraft would need to be completely disassembled and rebuilt to include secure communications, nuclear command capabilities, missile defense, aerial refueling systems, and protection against electronic warfare. Additional accommodations for medical staff and the Secret Service would also be necessary.
“It’s not just expensive—it’s impractical,” said Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory, adding that the proposed conversion would rival or exceed the costs of Boeing’s current $5.3 billion program.
The U.S. Air Force previously awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract in 2018 to convert two 747-8s for presidential use. That contract has since ballooned, resulting in major financial losses for Boeing and delays pushing delivery to as late as 2029.
Trump Defends Decision, Says It Saves Money
Despite the anticipated cost, Trump defended the decision to accept the Qatari jet, calling it a cost-saving move.
Posting on Truth Social, he wrote:
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift… It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One.”
He added that accepting the gift saves “hundreds of millions of dollars” that would instead be used to “Make America Great Again.” Trump also said only a "fool" would turn down such a donation.
In a separate post, he criticized Democrats for opposing the gift, saying:
“Anybody can pay top dollar for a plane. The Dems are World Class Losers!!!”
Legal Review Underway
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that legal reviews are in progress to ensure the aircraft’s donation complies with U.S. law. “Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” she told CNN.
As the debate continues, critics question whether the symbolic savings from accepting the Qatari jet will outweigh the long-term financial and logistical burdens it could impose on taxpayers.
The Qatari-owned aircraft, valued at around $400 million, would require extensive modifications to meet Air Force One's stringent security and operational standards, potentially pushing total expenses past $1 billion, according to three aviation specialists who spoke to NBC News.
Trump announced that the jet would serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until Boeing completes two new Air Force One replacements—already behind schedule and over budget. The new planes were originally due in 2024, but may not be ready until 2029. Trump, who is serving a second term, said the Qatari aircraft would eventually be transferred to his presidential library foundation.
A Costly and Complex Conversion
Experts say modifying the Qatari plane could take years, possibly into the 2030s. The aircraft would need to be completely disassembled and rebuilt to include secure communications, nuclear command capabilities, missile defense, aerial refueling systems, and protection against electronic warfare. Additional accommodations for medical staff and the Secret Service would also be necessary.
“It’s not just expensive—it’s impractical,” said Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory, adding that the proposed conversion would rival or exceed the costs of Boeing’s current $5.3 billion program.
The U.S. Air Force previously awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract in 2018 to convert two 747-8s for presidential use. That contract has since ballooned, resulting in major financial losses for Boeing and delays pushing delivery to as late as 2029.
Trump Defends Decision, Says It Saves Money
Despite the anticipated cost, Trump defended the decision to accept the Qatari jet, calling it a cost-saving move.
Posting on Truth Social, he wrote:
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift… It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One.”
He added that accepting the gift saves “hundreds of millions of dollars” that would instead be used to “Make America Great Again.” Trump also said only a "fool" would turn down such a donation.
In a separate post, he criticized Democrats for opposing the gift, saying:
“Anybody can pay top dollar for a plane. The Dems are World Class Losers!!!”
Legal Review Underway
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that legal reviews are in progress to ensure the aircraft’s donation complies with U.S. law. “Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” she told CNN.
As the debate continues, critics question whether the symbolic savings from accepting the Qatari jet will outweigh the long-term financial and logistical burdens it could impose on taxpayers.
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