Trump swaps gifted Qatari jet for old Air Force One amid Iran security doubts
President Trump has resumed using the traditional Air Force One following debate over the fast-tracked security upgrades on his gifted Qatari jet.
President Donald Trump has abandoned the Qatar‑gifted Boeing 747 for the ageing Air Force One configuration, rekindling questions about the new aircraft’s defensive suite as the United States escalates its confrontation with Iran.
Trump touched down at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, on the older 747‑based Air Force One on July 3, 2026, after a brief stop in Ankara, Turkey, on the freshly‑refurbished Qatari jet. In a post on Truth Social, he said the Qatari aircraft was being rerouted to RAF Mildenhall in England and "two or three" other bases so service members could “tour the Aircraft,” labeling the detour a “short trip.”
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Why the switch matters now
The gifted jet, accepted in May of last year, was fast‑tracked through upgrades that normally take years. The Air Force has said it spent less than $400 million on security upgrades, while some experts have estimated the cost is likely closer to $1 billion.
When asked Wednesday if security concerns played a role in the switch, Trump did not address any security concerns about the plane, but reiterated, I’m number one on the kill list for Iran.
Official narratives clash
A senior Trump administration official, speaking to MS NOW, insisted “there were no shortcuts taken” and that the aircraft “went through the same safety protocols that every Air Force One has gone through in accordance with FAA standards, and it is an FAA‑certified aircraft.”
In contrast, an Air Force spokesperson told the same outlet,
"we are confident the aircraft is safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission. To accelerate delivery, we prioritized critical mission requirements over aesthetics."
Retired CIA officer and security analyst Marc Polymeropoulos tweeted that “Secret Service as USAF pleas must have won out, over Trump's vanity project,” adding that the plane is “just not ready for prime time overseas.” Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told MS NOW the typical Air Force One security standards for the plane were likely lowered and questioned whether it has the “specific command and control capabilities and protective measures that Air Force Ones have against different types of threats.”
Background on the Qatar gift
The United States accepted the gifted plane in May last year, describing it as a “bridge” aircraft used temporarily by Trump while Boeing builds two new custom planes that are years behind schedule. Trump intends for it to go to his presidential library in Miami after leaving office, though it's unclear if Trump has the authority to determine its fate.
The gift has drawn widespread conflict‑of‑interest concerns. Forbes reported that the gift was described by Trump as “free,” despite the substantial renovation bill.
What we know about the aircraft’s capabilities
- Security upgrades were fast‑tracked, a process that “typically takes years.”
- The Air Force has publicly spent “less than $400 million” on the upgrades, though other estimates cite a potential cost near $1 billion.
- Images of the jet suggest it lacks some of the missile‑detection and countermeasure systems found on the legacy Air Force One fleet.
- The Air Force’s own statement emphasises confidence in the aircraft’s safety and advanced technology, while prioritising “critical mission requirements.”
