In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Trump expressed his disappointment on Monday regarding Boeing’s delays in refurbishing Air Force 1. He appreciated Qatar’s generous offer of a luxury jet valued at $400 million for his use during his presidency.
“I’m very disappointed that Boeing has taken so long to build a new Air Force,” Trump remarked to reporters. He contrasted the aging presidential aircraft—over 40 years old—with more modern jets used by other world leaders, particularly in the Arab region.
“They’re pretty behind schedule. It’s just another issue I’ve inherited from Biden, and it’ll take a while before we get them,” he commented about Boeing, the aerospace firm based in Washington.
“And I think we have a strong relationship with Qatar. We’ve supported them a lot over the years in terms of security, and I have great respect for their leadership,” he added.
The president described the jet offer as a “very nice gesture,” mentioning he was in the aircraft at the time.
This jet will be donated to the Department of Defense, with Trump noting it will serve until Boeing’s newer model is ready—before eventually being transferred to the presidential library.
“If we can get the 747, it’s a generous contribution to our Department of Defense during the buildup of new aircraft,” he explained.
“We get free use of the jet. It’s a big help. Plus, we’re using a plane that’s from four decades ago,” he added.
Qatar’s offer has raised concerns among ethics groups who worry about potential implications of foreign influence. Trump addressed the criticism, dismissing a question about it from an ABC reporter as “silly.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Gifts given by foreign governments are always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency.”
Later this week, Trump is expected to visit Qatar as part of his trip to the Middle East.
White House officials informed that during Trump’s time, no planes would be accepted or presented in the Emirates.
