President Donald Trump has brushed aside ethical and security concerns to accept a lavish jet from Qatar—but now he’s criticizing its size. “It’s too big,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “Frankly, it’s much too big.” Despite the complaint, Trump praised the aircraft as “beautiful” and “magnificent,” without elaborating further.
The jet, a Boeing 747-8, measures 250 feet—18 feet longer than the current Air Force One model, the 747-200B—according to reports, valued at $400 million, the aircraft, gifted by Qatar’s royal family, features extravagant amenities including multiple lounges, bedrooms, bathrooms, galleys, a private office, and art-deco interiors complete with large sofas, wood paneling, and big-screen TVs.
Trump reportedly pushed for the new plane after feeling his current Air Force One looked inadequate beside the modern jets used by Middle Eastern leaders. Sean Hannity, Trump said, “It’s much smaller… much less impressive.”
Previously part of Qatar Airways’ royal fleet, the plane is now undergoing modifications by the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, to meet presidential standards.
While Trump claimed the jet came at no cost, Fortune reports that its conversion may run taxpayers up to $1 billion. Once Trump leaves office, the aircraft will be transferred to his presidential library foundation.
