Inside Trump's Hunt For A Glitzy New Air Force One: How Much Would It Cost US Tax Payers?

President Donald Trump loves a spectacle, and his latest fixation is a shinier, more luxurious Air Force One.

On 14 May 2025, Trump revealed plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 from Qatar's royal family as a 'gift' to replace the ageing presidential jet. Billed as a cost-saving coup, this move has ignited fierce debate, with critics warning of legal pitfalls and skyrocketing costs.

From Doha's fighter jet escorts to a billion-pound retrofit, here's the inside story on Trump's quest for a flashier presidential plane.

Pursue a Show-stopping Upgrade

The current Air Force One, a pair of 30-year-old Boeing 747-200s, is set for replacement, with new planes already being built for £3.1 billion ($4.1 billion). Trump, unimpressed by their outdated interiors, wants a jet that rivals the opulent 'flying palace from the royal family of Quatar' he admired during his Middle East tour.

Qatar's offer, a £320 million ($430 million) Boeing 747-8, previously used by their royals, would go to the Pentagon, then Trump's presidential library.

During his 13 May 2025 Doha visit, Trump praised Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim, while fighter jets escorted his plane, fuelling his vision for a grander ride.

Retrofitting this jet to meet Air Force One's security standards, however, could cost taxpayers £800 million ($1.7 billion), sparking outrage among critics.

Navigate a Legal Minefield

Accepting a foreign 'gift' raises red flags. The US Constitution bars presidents from taking foreign emoluments without congressional approval, and Democrats argue this deal violates that rule.

The timing—announced during Trump's Qatar trip, where the emir committed to a £76.8 billion ($103 billion) Boeing 787 deal, has fuelled suspicions of a quid pro quo.

Trump initially exaggerated the deal's value at £160 billion ($200 billion), intensifying scrutiny. Senator Elizabeth Warren called it a 'potential sellout,' while posts on X label it a 'grift disguised as diplomacy.'

The Pentagon's Frank Kendall warned that the Qatari jet, though plush, lacks Air Force One's unique capabilities, requiring years of costly upgrades.

Flaunt Trump's Signature Style

Trump's obsession with aesthetics is legendary. He wants an Air Force One that screams his brand—think bold paint and luxe interiors. During his Qatar rally at Al Udeid Air Base, he joked about having 'nothing better to do,' turning a military event into a campaign spectacle.

The Qatari jet's lavish cabins align with his vision, but critics see it as a vanity project. With a £36 million ($48 million) military parade planned for 14 June 2025, Trump's love for flash is undeniable, but it's stoking fears of reckless spending.

Some X users argue it undermines Boeing's existing £3.1 billion ($41 billion) contract for new planes, due by 2027.

Trump's Glitzy Gamble Could Crash

Trump's pursuit of a dazzling Air Force One is pure showmanship, but it's a risky play. The Qatar jet, meant to save money, could cost taxpayers dearly with its £800 million ($107 billion) retrofit.

Legal concerns and accusations of cronyism threaten to overshadow any savings. As Trump pushes for a plane that matches his larger-than-life persona, he risks alienating voters who see it as extravagant.

This shiny new jet might dazzle, but, without careful navigation, it could crash-land as Trump's most divisive stunt yet.