Trump Set to Use Qatari Plane Despite Security Concerns
Trump will fly to Ireland in mid-September aboard the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747. It is the jet's first international use since a secret mid-trip plane swap in July.
- $400 million has already been spent retrofitting the Qatari jet.
- Security experts doubt a one-month upgrade timeline is realistic, per the Washington Post.
- The Government Accountability Office estimates upgrades to the two Boeing 747s ordered in 2017 exceed $5.6 billion.
- Those Air Force-ordered planes may not be ready before Trump's term ends in January 2029.
Why it matters: The Qatari jet lacks some defensive countermeasures built into the older presidential aircraft, which are designed to protect against missile attacks.
- In July, U.S. intelligence flagged a credible Iranian plot to target the plane over Turkey; Trump was quietly moved to a military C-32A while the Qatari jet flew on as a decoy.
- Trump initially said he switched planes "for old time's sake," a claim later contradicted by reporting.
How 16 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether the Qatari jet is currently safe enough for international presidential travel — and whether the White House is moving fast enough on promised upgrades.
Left coverage, 11 sources: The left frames Trump's use of the jet as a vanity choice that prioritizes a luxury gift over presidential security, with the Turkey incident as evidence of real risk.
Raw Story2dTrump takes sketchy Qatari jet on international golf jaunt despite security concerns
The Independent2dTrump risks fresh controversy by taking Qatari gift jet overseas
ABC News2dTrump expected to use Qatari-gifted Air Force One for overseas travel next week: Sources
AlterNet2dSecurity experts 'skeptical' as Trump plans to ramp up use of Qatari plane
CBS News2dTrump to take Qatari Air Force One to Ireland, sources say
CNN2dTrump to take Qatari jet on another overseas trip despite questions about its security
Mediaite2dTrump Set to Use Qatari-Gifted Air Force One Next Week Despite Security Concerns: Report
Political Wire2dTrump to Use Qatari Plane Despite Security Worries
The Guardian2dTrump to take gifted Qatar jet to Ireland despite questions about its security
The New York Times2dTrump Plans to Use Qatari Jet for Another Overseas Flight Despite Security Concerns
The Washington Post2dTrump to use Qatari plane for international trip despite security worries...
What’s next: Trump is scheduled to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin.
- Promised security upgrades may not begin until after the November midterm elections.
- Has the White House made any security improvements to the jet since the Turkey incident, and if so, what?
- What will additional security modifications cost, and who pays?
- Will Congress demand answers on the upgrade timeline before the Ireland trip?