TRUMP UNVEILS NEW AIR FORCE ONE GIFTED BY QATAR

President Donald Trump unveiled a new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, replacing the Boeing 747-200B aircraft that has served successive presidents for three decades. The jet, valued at $400 million, was gifted by the Qatari government and has been modified and tested by the Air Force for presidential use. Trump stated the aircraft features a red, white and blue paint scheme of his design, departing from the light blue of the retired presidential plane. He described the jet as "the world's most luxurious plane" and said it would remain in his possession after his term ends.

The acquisition has drawn criticism from lawmakers and observers who raised security and conflict-of-interest concerns. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, stated last May that accepting the donation was "farcically corrupt" and "blatantly unconstitutional". Trump announced the Qatari government's offer in May, stating the aircraft would serve as the temporary presidential plane. The Air Force completed its modifications and testing programme in May, with the jet expected to be operational for the president during summer.

Trump said the colour scheme reflected his personal taste and marked a deliberate change from the previous design. He noted that the aircraft's construction achieved a standard "that will probably never be seen again". The unveiling at Joint Base Andrews included remarks delivered to service members present at the hangar event. The decision to accept the Qatari jet represents a significant change in the presidential aircraft programme, which has operated the same class of Boeing jumbo jets across multiple administrations.