Trump takes maiden flight on Qatar's gold-trimmed jet as fury grows over 'gift' with security risks and strings attached

By ELINA SHIRAZI, US SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 15:06, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 15:18, 1 July 2026 President Donald Trump boarded his very first flight on the self-dubbed 'world's most luxurious plane' this morning, departing for North Dakota to attend an America 250 celebration. Delivering his classic fist bump at the top of a personal red carpet, Trump dashed into the $400 million Qatari-gifted aircraft after fielding questions from the traveling press. Calling it the 'best plane ever built,' Trump said that the Qataris 'made it appropriate for a President.' 'We are very proud of the plane … the country's very proud of it,' Trump explained. Spotted joining the President for the inaugural ride on the new aircraft were Donald Trump Jr and his wife Bettina Anderson, Eric Trump, Director of Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta and Margo Martin. The group was seen boarding the striking red, white and blue jet, which features a large American flag on the tail. 'We like the baby blue, but it was time for a change,' Trump said of the historic departure from the traditional Air Force One color scheme. White House reporters who viewed the interior up close described the press cabin as resembling a first-class section with spaced-out pairs of seats. President Donald Trump boarded his very first flight on the self-dubbed 'world's most luxurious plane' this morning, departing for North Dakota to attend an America 250 celebration Spotted joining the President for the inaugural ride on the new aircraft were Donald Trump Jr . and his wife Bettina Anderson, Eric Trump, Director of Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta and Margo Martin The staggering $400 million gift immediately sparked intense scrutiny. Critics raised the alarm over potential national security threats, legal roadblocks and ethics violations, though the White House ultimately dismissed those concerns Each seat is equipped with built-in reading light and a large pop-up touchscreen. The space is accented with tan walls and carpets, gold light fixtures - the President's favorite touch - and seatbelts bearing the Presidential seal. The opulent aircraft serves as a lavish, temporary replacement while the military awaits the completion of two retrofitted Boeing planes.  The current Air Force One fleet, which consists of heavily modified Boeing 747-200s, has been in service since 1990 and is rapidly aging. Frustrated by ongoing manufacturing setbacks, Trump previously voiced concerns that the official Boeing replacements would not be ready before his term concludes in 2029. To bridge that gap, the State of Qatar donated the high-end jet to the Pentagon last year. However, the staggering $400 million gift immediately sparked intense scrutiny. Critics raised the alarm over potential national security threats, legal roadblocks and ethics violations, though the White House ultimately dismissed those concerns. The foreign donation triggered swift backlash from political opponents who accused the Middle Eastern emirate of attempting to purchase Presidential influence. Delivering his classic fist bump at the top of a personal red carpet, Trump dashed into the $40 million Qatari-gifted aircraft after fielding questions from the traveling press Trump is traveling to North Dakota to attend the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication on his first trip using the new Air Force One aircraft gifted to the US by Qatar's government On Independence Day itself, Trump has expressed a desire to have the aircraft conduct a celebratory flyover above the US Capitol Since accepting the aircraft, the Air Force has worked continuously to customize and secure it for the commander-in-chief's use. 'Frankly, we couldn't build a plane like this because we wouldn't be willing to spend the kind of money necessary. They spent top dollars,' Trump said of the Qataris. Far-right political activist Laura Loomer called the jet a 'stain' on the administration and said she was 'incredibly disappointed.' Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also expressed his hesitations about the plane.  'There'll be plenty of scrutiny. There are lots of issues around that and I think will attract very serious questions if and when it happens,' he said back in May. Despite the swirling controversies surrounding its origins, the jet's itinerary is already packed. Following its maiden voyage, the plane is scheduled for a second trip to Mount Rushmore just before the Fourth of July. On Independence Day itself, Trump has expressed a desire to have the aircraft conduct a celebratory flyover above the US Capitol. Later this month, the jet is expected to cross the Atlantic, transporting the President to Ankara, Turkey, for an upcoming NATO leaders' summit. 'Would another President spend his time on a new plane?' Trump said. 'Probably not.' 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