Trump says Qatar-gifted Air Force One will undergo upgrades amid security concerns

President Donald Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews that the Qatar-donated aircraft used as Air Force One will be sent for upgrades and "maxed out" within about a month. The comment came after media reports raised questions about the jet’s missile-defense and other security capabilities, suggesting it may be less protected than the older, purpose-built plane.

The $400 million jet, which was retrofitted after being gifted by Qatar, has faced scrutiny since Trump switched to it during a recent trip to a NATO summit in Turkey. At that time, the president said the change was to allow service members at Mildenhall Air Base in England to tour the aircraft, downplaying security concerns.

Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the newer plane lacks some of the safety features of the previous Air Force One, though one source said many capabilities are similar. Security personnel reportedly felt more comfortable with the older aircraft, which was designed specifically for presidential use.

The New York Times, which first reported on the security gaps, said four of its reporters were later subpoenaed, and officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel, have been involved in investigations into the leaks. The administration has also asked staff to turn over phones as part of the inquiry.