Trump Departs Aging Air Force One Amid Qatar Jet Gift Criticism

President Donald Trump has faced bipartisan criticism after accepting a $400 million Boeing 747-8i jet gifted by Qatar's royal family, which he hopes to use as a replacement for the aging Air Force One. The current Air Force One planes are military versions of the Boeing 747-200B, nearly 40 years old, while Qatar's gifted 747-8i is newer, larger, and designed with luxurious interiors focused on comfort rather than military-grade functions. Trump has repeatedly lamented the age and smaller size of the current Air Force One, emphasizing the need for America to have the most impressive presidential plane. Despite ethics complaints, the Department of Justice has ruled that accepting the gifted aircraft would not break any laws, as ownership would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. While Trump praised Boeing during his Middle East tour and highlighted large commercial deals by Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, several Republican senators and conservative commentators have voiced opposition to the acceptance of the Qatar jet. Trump also expressed disappointment that new official Air Force One planes from Boeing won't be delivered before 2027 but affirmed that "new ones are coming."