President Trump Travels to North Dakota on New Qatari-Gifted Air Force One

President Trump made a trip to North Dakota on Wednesday aboard the new Air Force One, a luxurious Boeing 747-8. This aircraft was generously gifted to the United States by Qatar last year. The plane, valued at $400 million, replaces the older military-grade 747-2 that has served U.S. presidents for over three decades.

The Qatari-gifted plane is set to be operational until the Air Force receives a new fleet of Boeing planes, expected by 2028. During his visit to North Dakota, Mr. Trump is scheduled to take part in a train ride and attend a welcoming ceremony to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. He will also visit the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews before his departure, President Trump remarked on the significance of the moment, stating, “this will be the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built.” Addressing the press, Trump expressed his excitement, noting, “I’m excited about the first flight. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it.” He emphasized the plane’s presidential modifications, which include enhanced security features, stating that it involved complex upgrades but is a remarkable achievement.

President Trump asserted that the cost to taxpayers for these upgrades was minimal compared to alternative options. He described the plane as “a gift from a country that’s treated us very well.” Highlighting the age of the previous plane used for presidential travel, he noted, “it would be parked next to the new ones like this and it really didn’t look appropriate for our country.” Trump expressed pride in the new aircraft, saying, “The country’s very proud of it.”