Presidential jet gifted to Trump by Qatar completes testing
A Boeing 747 gifted to US President Donald Trump by Qatar has completed flight testing and modifications, with plans for a summer 2026 debut as the new Air Force One. The aircraft, which underwent extensive systems integration by L3Harris Technologies, will feature secure communications for global presidential operations. The gift has sparked constitutional and ethical debates over foreign donations to government officials.
- ▪Qatar gifted a Boeing 747 to US President Donald Trump, which has now completed flight testing and modifications.
- ▪The US Air Force confirmed the plane will debut in summer 2026 with a new red, white, and blue livery.
- ▪L3Harris Technologies completed mission systems integration, including secure communications for presidential use.
- ▪The gift raised constitutional concerns under the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits officials from accepting gifts from foreign states.
- ▪US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the jet in May 2025, stating it complied with federal rules and regulations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Presidential jet gifted to Trump by Qatar completes testingSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS President Donald Trump gesturing as he boards Air Force One on May 1.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 02, 2026, 03:45 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 03:45 PMWASHINGTON – A Boeing 747 that Qatar gave to US President Donald Trump has completed flight testing and is expected to make its debut in the summer of 2026, the US Air Force said on May 1.The aircraft “has officially completed modification and flight testing and is being painted.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.