politics
President Trump plans to display Air Force One at presidential library after term ends
The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 accepted as a gift from Qatar, is scheduled for transfer once new presidential planes arrive in 2028. Congressional Democrats have previously tried to block the transfer and may attempt further measures after the midterms.
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The aircraft was accepted as a gift from the Qatari government and is valued at $400 million. It is being used temporarily until two new Boeing aircraft designated for presidential transport are delivered in 2028.
Background on the aircraft transfer In March, digital renderings of the planned library showed the plane parked next to a golden escalator. The president told reporters that moving the aircraft into a Miami skyscraper would be difficult. Democratic members of Congress have introduced measures to keep the aircraft in government hands.
One amendment in June sought to prevent transfer to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library, and Senate Democrats previously tried to bar any foreign aircraft from serving as Air Force One. Both efforts failed with Republican majorities in Congress.
A spokesperson for one Democratic representative told the Wall Street Journal that work would continue to ensure the aircraft remains U.S. government property.
Precedents and physical challenges Retired presidential aircraft have previously been placed in libraries after following formal retirement procedures. The Boeing VC-137C used from 1972 to 2001 was retired and later displayed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library after disassembly and transport.
Moving the current aircraft into a building would require similar disassembly and reassembly, as occurred with the Reagan plane. The president has described the gift as temporary and has rejected ethical concerns raised by some lawmakers.
