Trump unveils a new presidential airplane

President Donald Trump unveiled a new presidential aircraft on Friday at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

The jet was formerly owned by Qatar and was given as a gift to the United States.

Trump walked off the plane and down the stairs as “God Bless the USA” played. The White House called the plane the new Air Force One.

“Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure continuity for the commander in chief,” the Air Force said in a statement.

The plane is painted navy blue underneath, with a red stripe above. The presidential seal is on the left side, and the tail has an American flag.

“The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will commence its initial commissioning flights, marking the successful delivery of a secure, modified executive platform,” the Air Force said.

Commissioning flights are the final phase of testing for aircraft modification.

“The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in the statement. “From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission. This effort proves that the U.S. Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.”

Meink said last year that retrofitting the plane to carry the president would take “significant modifications” that would cost less than $400 million, according to The Associated Press. The statement Friday doesn’t include a new estimate.

The Air Force said the aircraft was modified under an approach that prioritized safety and security, and it was equipped with the most advanced technologies.

“We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said. “Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline.”

Qatar’s gift and the U.S. acceptance, among the largest foreign gifts ever given to the U.S. government, created controversy in the early months of the Trump administration.

The Qatari jet is an interim replacement, according to the White House and Air Force, until Boeing delivers its new Air Force One models, the first of which is expected in mid-2028.