Trump announces retrofit of Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar

According to a report by the New York Times, the president's Protective Service, which is responsible for the personal security of the U.S. president, had raised concerns regarding the aircraft's security equipment. According to the report, the Boeing 747-8 from Qatar does not feature the same protective systems as the existing Air Force One fleet of the U.S. Air Force.

Security concerns and switch at the NATO summit

The matter had already attracted attention when Trump used the new aircraft for the first time on July 1, 2026. About a week and a half later, when departing from the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump decided not to use the Boeing 747-8 and instead fell back on an older backup aircraft from his existing fleet.

This decision triggered a debate in the U.S. about the security of the donated aircraft. Several media outlets and security experts pointed out that a Boeing 747-8 handed over as a state gift would not automatically meet the requirements placed on a regular presidential aircraft.

The discussion about security was not new, however: already when Qatar announced its intention to gift the Boeing 747-8 to the president, or to the United States, experts had pointed to potential security risks and political implications. The New York Times' original reporting now revisited these concerns.

What is known so far about the retrofit

Trump further said on Sunday that he expects the aircraft to be "taken away" in about a month. "That will take about a month," the president said. He did not comment on the nature and scope of the planned modifications, the companies involved, or the costs.

It remains unclear which specific security systems are to be retrofitted. As a rule, modifications to presidential aircraft include, among other things, secure communication facilities that are shielded against eavesdropping, protection against electromagnetic pulses, and in-flight refueling systems. The White House has not yet confirmed such details.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8, had been offered by Qatar as a gift to Trump. The gift itself is politically controversial in the U.S., as it raises questions about compatibility with rules governing the acceptance of foreign donations by sitting presidents. A legal clarification is pending.

Political dimension of the Qatari gift

Until the retrofit is completed, Trump said he will continue to use the existing aircraft in the Air Force One fleet. The timeline — roughly one month out of service — suggests that the upgrade could be completed before possible further international trips in late summer.

The news agency APA picked up the report on July 20, 2026. Neither the White House nor the United States Air Force has publicly commented on the concrete retrofit plans or on the awarding of contracts.