Trump to Make First Flight on Qatar-Gifted Air Force One During North Dakota Visit as Military Preparations Intensify
President Donald Trump is set to make the first official flight aboard the controversial Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 later this week, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to modernize the presidential fleet.
According to the White House, Trump will travel on Wednesday to North Dakota to attend the dedication of the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and deliver remarks as part of the nationwide America 250 celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
The aircraft, a heavily modified Boeing 747 previously used by Qatar’s head of state, was presented as a gift to the U.S. Department of Defense. Earlier this month, President Trump personally unveiled the aircraft and praised Qatar for being “so nice and providing” the jet. The aircraft also features Trump’s preferred red, white, and blue livery, reflecting a design concept he championed during his first term in office.
However, the aircraft has sparked widespread political and legal debate. Critics argue that accepting an aircraft valued at hundreds of millions of dollars from a foreign government raises serious ethical, constitutional, and national security concerns. The U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
The Trump administration maintains that the aircraft is not a personal gift but a transfer to the Department of Defense for presidential use until Boeing delivers the long-delayed next-generation Air Force One fleet. Officials have also indicated that the aircraft could eventually become part of Trump’s future presidential library after its government service ends.
Meanwhile, preparations for the president’s arrival are already underway in North Dakota. Military activity has increased significantly at Bismarck Municipal Airport over the weekend, drawing attention from residents and aviation enthusiasts.
Witnesses reported multiple U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft arriving on Saturday. Crews were seen unloading Marine One, the presidential helicopter, before moving it into a secure hangar.
On Sunday morning, additional military aircraft activity continued. Visitors at the airport observed Marine helicopters conducting operations around the airfield, while a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey was also spotted flying near the airport, highlighting the extensive security preparations ahead of the presidential visit.
Trump’s visit to North Dakota is expected to be one of the major events in this year’s America 250 celebrations and will officially dedicate the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, honoring one of America’s most influential presidents.
The first flight of the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 is likely to attract global attention—not only as a milestone in presidential aviation but also because of the continuing debate surrounding its acceptance, future ownership, and role as a temporary Air Force One replacement.
