"It Would Be Stupid Not to Accept It": Trump Unveils New $450 Million Presidential Jet Gifted by Qatar

U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprise unveiling of a new interim presidential aircraft, valued at approximately 600 billion won (about $450 million), which was gifted by Qatar.

President Trump appeared at the boarding gate of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which was stationed inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews, on June 19 (local time).

The White House had initially announced that the President would be meeting with Air Force personnel, but used the event as a pretext to unveil the new Air Force One.

Despite facing intense criticism over a memorandum of understanding signed to end the war with Iran, President Trump appeared full of smiles.

"This aircraft has been transformed into a 'White House in the sky' with a level of luxury that no one has ever seen before," President Trump said, expressing his satisfaction.

He added that the plane is twice the size of the existing presidential aircraft and that the design and colors perfectly match his personal taste.

"When this aircraft lands at an airport, no one will be able to surpass it," President Trump emphasized.

He had previously expressed significant frustration over delays in the delivery of the new official presidential fleet, which is not expected until 2028, and has now secured a customized aircraft that he can use immediately.

Unlike the traditional Air Force One, which features a calm light blue livery, this aircraft is painted in a flamboyant scheme of navy blue, red, and gold.

The controversy lies in the fact that the plane was a gift received from the Qatari government during President Trump's tour of the Middle East in May of last year.

With the aircraft alone valued at $400 million—approximately 610 billion won—the acceptance of such an expensive gift has sparked a wave of criticism.

However, President Trump dismissed the concerns, stating, "It would be stupid not to accept it," showing no regard for the surrounding backlash.

The President plans to use this aircraft during his term and display it at his presidential library after leaving office.

He drew a line, asserting that there is no issue since it is not for personal use.

The U.S. Air Force explained that an additional $400 million would be required just to retrofit the plane for presidential use.

Beyond the massive costs, concerns are also being raised about whether an aircraft previously used by a foreign entity can meet the security requirements necessary for the highest-ranking official.

Once the aircraft receives a passing grade from crew test flights, it will be officially incorporated into the presidential transport fleet.

The two existing Air Force One jets, which have been in service for over 30 years since the administration of former President George H.W. Bush, will not be retired and will continue to perform their duties.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.