The Trump administration is planning to accept a Boeing 747-8 as a donation from the Qatari royal family. This aircraft will be refurbished to serve as Air Force One. Following his term, it's intended for donation to President Trump's presidential library, allowing him continued use.
The plan presents significant ethical questions. The aircraft's high value (approximately $400 million new) and Trump's post-presidency use are key concerns.
Trump's current private jet is an older 757. The Qatari jet, if used post-presidency, provides a substantially newer and more luxurious option for Trump's personal use.
The plan is expected to be announced soon, coinciding with Trump's upcoming Middle East trip. The aircraft, about a decade old, will be modified by L3Harris in Texas, with completion expected by year's end.
The Department of Defense is still to agree on a contract for refurbishment. The initial proposal to donate the jet directly to the Trump library was deemed unconstitutional. The current plan, approved by government lawyers, avoids this legal conflict.
The model used to address the ethical issues mirrors the process for Ronald Reagan's Air Force One. However, Reagan did not use his post-presidency Air Force One for personal travel.