Donald Trump’s newly acquired Air Force One will remain grounded for approximately one month to undergo extensive security upgrades, the president acknowledged on Sunday.
The decision comes shortly after the aircraft's ceremonial debut, signaling that the Qatari-donated Boeing 747 is not yet fully operational for presidential transport despite earlier claims of its readiness.
The aircraft, valued at $400 million, has faced scrutiny since its donation by Qatar.
The aircraft, valued at $400 million, has faced scrutiny since its donation by Qatar.
While Trump previously praised the plane as "magnificent" during its inauguration ceremony, the immediate need for further modifications suggests unresolved safety or technical concerns.
The White House has not specified the exact nature of the upgrades, but the extended downtime indicates significant work is required to meet presidential security standards.
This development adds to the controversy surrounding the gift, which has drawn criticism for its cost and the geopolitical implications of accepting such a high-profile asset from a foreign government.