Trump's new $400M AF1 makes first flight: Why the jet is so controversial - CNN The Situation Room

[Rhiannon12866]

As Donald Trump boarded his inaugural flight on the new Air Force One, a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar, he shared his excitement for the new aircraft and its foreign builders, saying the US “couldn’t build a plane like this.” “I’m excited about the first flight,” he told reporters ahead of his trip to North Dakota on Wednesday for an America 250 celebration.

The new jet, an unconditional gift estimated to be worth about $400 million, has generated legal, ethical and national security questions. The plane has a new color scheme — white, red and navy blue — and other changes that make it similar to the personal jet Trump has used for years. - Aired on 07/01/2026.


0:00 Trump makes inaugural flight on new Air Force One
1:10 Was it a good idea to accept a plane from Qatar?
3:50 Details about the new plane
6:12 Is the timing right for a new Air Force One jet?

[progressoid]

1. The emoluments clause didn't slow him down before.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. So isn't it long past time??

Previous presidents weren't allowed to keep far less valuable gifts from other countries...

[Walleye]

2. Trump has a need to make everything as ugly as himself. I hate that plane.

[rampartd]

4. mea culpa. i did predict this job would take longer and cost more

but the possibility remains that they cut corners and lied about the price.

did the qatari sheik get a good return? i'm sure dear leader protected him from iranian drones?