What happened
President Trump unveiled a new Boeing 747-8 as Air Force One on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews. The aircraft, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, was gifted to the U.S. and has completed commissioning flights. The Air Force prioritized operational readiness, leaving the interior layout minimally changed but upgraded with advanced technologies. The plane features a red, white, and blue livery and is scheduled for a flyover of Washington DC on July 4, 2026, ahead of the 250th birthday of the United States. The acquisition is framed as a gift to Trump personally, with plans for it to be housed at his presidential library after his term ends in early 2029