Eric Trump, president of the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, stated this week that the $400 million Qatar-donated Air Force One jet will not be displayed at the planned library in Miami after President Donald Trump’s second term concludes. Instead, an older, decommissioned Air Force One will be featured at the facility, according to a text message exchange with NBC News.
A White House official confirmed to ABC News that no final decision has been made regarding the jet’s future, including whether it will remain in government service, be transferred to the library, or used for other purposes. The gifted Boeing 747-8, valued at $400 million, was initially expected to be decommissioned shortly before Trump leaves office and transferred to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
Background on the Qatar-Donated Jet
The Boeing 747-8 was gifted to Trump in 2025 by Qatar as part of a controversial diplomatic arrangement. The plane was intended to serve as an interim Air Force One until fully customized long-term replacements were completed. Ownership was slated to transfer to the library foundation shortly before Trump’s second term ends, though the timeline and final use remain unresolved.
Contradictory Statements Raise Questions
Eric Trump’s recent remarks contradict earlier statements from the Trump administration, which had indicated the jet would be displayed at the library. The White House official’s acknowledgment of no final decision further underscores the uncertainty surrounding the plane’s fate. Reports from NBC News and The New York Times had previously questioned whether the jet would remain in service or be repurposed.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
Possible scenarios include:
- The jet remains in government service as Air Force One for the next administration.
- Ownership transfers to the library foundation, with the plane displayed or repurposed.
- The jet is retained by Trump for personal or political use.
- The administration revises its plans entirely, as suggested by Eric Trump’s update.
The Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, led by Eric Trump, is developing the Miami-based facility, though no timeline for the project’s completion has been publicly confirmed. The foundation has not responded to requests for further clarification on the jet’s display plans.