President Trump begins first flight on Qatar-gifted Air Force One

President Donald Trump began his first trip on a newly refurbished Boeing 747 that the United States received as a gift from Qatar. The aircraft, valued at about $400 million, has been repainted in a navy-colored belly with red and gold stripes and fitted with upgraded interiors, including plush carpeting, lie-flat seats, wood paneling and a presidential seal on the seat belts.

Trump told reporters he was proud of the plane, saying, > "You can do two things: You can low-key it, or you can show it." The jet is carrying him to North Dakota to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library ahead of its public opening.

White House communications director Steven Cheung posted a photo of staff members around a circular table with off-white place mats and leather captain’s chairs, while chief of U.S. protocol Monica Crowley shared an image of herself on a leather couch beside Air Force One throw pillows, with a framed picture of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial on the wall behind her.

Trump described the aircraft as a gift from a country that has treated the United States well. The Air Force said it made minimal changes to the cabin layout and spent less than $400 million on security upgrades. The Qatar-donated jet will serve temporarily until Boeing delivers the next generation of Air Force One aircraft, expected in 2028.