President Trump makes maiden flight on aircraft donated by Qatar

On July 1, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump completed his first flight on a new Boeing 747 aircraft donated to the United States by the royal family of Qatar. The maiden official voyage took the President to North Dakota to attend the inauguration of a museum dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt. Valued at approximately $400 million, the aircraft was retrofitted with security and communication systems to meet presidential standards in about five months. The donation has faced criticism from some lawmakers and ethics experts regarding security concerns and the propriety of accepting such a gift from a foreign nation. Trump defended the acquisition, stating that the U.S. would not have otherwise spent the funds for such a luxury aircraft, and thanked the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The aircraft features a custom red, white, blue, and gold exterior and is intended for presidential use until a new government-commissioned aircraft is completed in approximately two years. Accompanying the President on the inaugural flight were his sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., along with their wives.