A new chapter in presidential aviation officially began as President Donald Trump took his inaugural flight aboard the newly retrofitted Boeing 747-8i Air Force One, traveling to Medora, North Dakota, for the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
The flight marked the aircraft’s first presidential mission after undergoing extensive modifications to meet the stringent security, communications, and operational requirements of the U.S. presidency. The Boeing 747-8i, valued at approximately **$400 million**, was donated by the government of Qatar before being transformed into the nation’s newest Air Force One.
Speaking with reporters before departing Joint Base Andrews, Trump called the aircraft “the greatest commercial plane ever built” and said Boeing had assured him it was the finest aircraft in its class. He also emphasized the extensive upgrades made to prepare it for presidential service, saying the aircraft now features highly sophisticated security systems, advanced communications capabilities, and numerous specialized modifications designed specifically for the Commander-in-Chief.
Trump noted that the previous Air Force One had been in service for roughly 36 years, adding that he believed the United States should operate a presidential aircraft that reflects the country’s stature on the world stage. He remarked that while the older aircraft had served the nation well, it appeared outdated when compared with modern wide-body airliners.
After arriving in Medora, Trump was joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other officials for a ceremonial Rough Riders horseback escort to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The opening of the library celebrates the life and legacy of America’s 26th president, whose commitment to conservation transformed the nation’s public lands. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt established national parks, expanded national forests, created national monuments, and strengthened the U.S. Forest Service, leaving behind one of the most significant conservation legacies in American history.
The visit also served as a platform to promote the reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The proposed legislation would continue investing approximately **$1.9 billion each year** to address deferred maintenance across America’s public lands, funding repairs to roads, bridges, hiking trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, historic landmarks, water systems, and other essential infrastructure within the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and other federal agencies.
Interior Department officials said renewing the legislation would preserve America’s most treasured landscapes while ensuring future generations continue to enjoy safe and accessible national parks and outdoor recreation areas.
The day combined several historic milestones—the first presidential flight aboard the newly refurbished Air Force One, the opening of a landmark presidential library honoring Theodore Roosevelt, and a renewed focus on conservation as the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
