President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a Boeing jet gifted to him by Qatar will be grounded for about a month to receive security upgrades, as the aircraft lacks standard presidential defensive armor.
Speaking to reporters after arriving from the World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump said the 14-year-old Boeing 747-8, valued at nearly $400 million, will be sent for modifications to "max out" its capabilities.
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"Well, it has a lot of capability, but as I understand it, in about a month or so, they're going to send it to have it be maxed out," Trump said.
"It'll take about a month."
The announcement follows a New York Times report revealing the aircraft lacks critical infrared countermeasures and launch detection sensors.
Unlike the traditional VC-25A Air Force One fleet, the Qatari jet was not built to resist electromagnetic pulses or secure emergency communications during crises.
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Federal officials have designated the plane as a temporary alternative while two delayed Boeing replacements are completed.
The Secret Service previously raised concerns, leading Trump to switch to a more heavily defended aircraft when returning from a NATO summit amid tensions with Iran.
The situation has drawn criticism from congressional Democrats and ethics groups over constitutional compliance under the emoluments clause, given Trump's plans to keep the aircraft for his presidential library.
The Justice Department approved the gift arrangement in 2025, and the U. S.
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Air Force has estimated retrofitting costs within $400 million.
