US President Donald Trump intends to make the Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar the centerpiece of his upcoming presidential library in Miami, but the plan is beset by political, military, and logistical hurdles, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Current Role of the Qatar-Gifted Jet
The aircraft, a VIP-configured Boeing 747-8 previously owned by the Qatari royal family, is currently serving as a temporary VC-25B "bridge" Air Force One. It fills the gap while Boeing completes two delayed next-generation presidential planes. Trump commissioned these new aircraft in 2017, but repeated delays mean the first jet is now expected for delivery in mid-2028, just months before the end of his term.
To bridge this interval, the US Air Force searched for an available aircraft capable of transporting the president. This search led to the Qatari jet. Trump inspected the plane in Palm Beach and initially inquired whether Qatar's emir would allow temporary use. Instead, the emir offered to donate it to the US government, with ownership officially transferred to the Air Force in spring 2025.
Value and Controversy
The aircraft was valued at approximately USD 400 million at the time of the donation, sparking bipartisan criticism over the ethics of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government. According to the WSJ report, the plane has since undergone roughly USD 400 million in military modifications funded by US taxpayers, including secure communication networks and defensive systems required for safe presidential transport.
Until Boeing delivers the next-generation Air Force One, the ex-Qatari jet is expected to remain Trump's primary presidential transport.
Plans for the Presidential Library
Trump envisions the Boeing 747 as the focal point of his presidential library in downtown Miami, mirroring the retired Air Force One exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. However, the WSJ notes that numerous obstacles remain, including political opposition, military regulations, and logistical issues related to moving and displaying the aircraft.
