Trump administration pursued purchase of Qatar-owned Boeing 747-8

President Trump's administration reportedly initiated discussions about acquiring a Qatar-owned luxury Boeing 747-8, challenging the narrative that it was offered as a gift by the Qatari government. The aircraft's acquisition comes amid delays in the delivery of Boeing's modified 747-8s (VC-25Bs), which are set to replace the current Air Force One jets.

Sources suggest that Trump's administration first inquired about purchasing the aircraft rather than Qatar offering it as a gift. Following Boeing's notification to the Pentagon about delivery delays, Trump tasked Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff with identifying potential replacement aircraft. According to CNN, negotiations began after the White House expressed interest in acquiring the jet.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung criticized Boeing for not delivering on time. Despite Trump's public claims of receiving the plane as a "GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE," sources indicate otherwise. The Defense Department accepted the 747-8 from Qatar and is working on modifications for presidential use.