Pentagon gives update on Qatar's jet gift becoming Trump Air Force One
During a Senate hearing, Air Force Secretary Meink acknowledged that the Qatari aircraft would need "significant modifications."
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Gabe Whisnant is a Breaking News Editor at Newsweek based in North Carolina. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2023, he directed daily publications in North and South Carolina. As an executive editor, Gabe led award-winning coverage of Charleston church shooter Dylan Roof's capture in 2015, along with coverage of the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. You can get in touch with Gabe by emailing g.whisnant@newsweek.com. Find him on Twitter @GabeWhisnant.
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Newly confirmed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink informed senators Tuesday that the service is developing plans to evaluate the $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar for potential use as a future Air Force One for President Donald Trump.
The directive, issued by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, tasks the Air Force with assessing the extensive security and technical modifications required for the aircraft, which is currently located in San Antonio.
During a Senate hearing, Meink acknowledged that the aircraft would need "significant modifications" before it could be considered capable of serving as the president's plane.
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) raised concerns about the timeline, urging that this new initiative does not interfere with ongoing efforts to modernize two other Boeing 747s already undergoing conversion to replace the aging Air Force One fleet.
This is developing news and will be updated as more information is available.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
In this February 15, 2025, a Qatari Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport after US President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on February 15, 2025. In this February 15, 2025, a Qatari Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport after US President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on February 15, 2025. AFP/Getty Images