President Donald Trump is set to make the first official flight aboard the controversial Qatar-gifted **Boeing 747 aircraft later this week during his visit to North Dakota.
According to the White House, Trump will travel to Medora to attend the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library as part of the America 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
The aircraft, previously used by Qatar’s head of state, was transferred to the United States Department of Defense and is being prepared for presidential transport until the next-generation Air Force One fleet arrives.
The jet features a red, white, and blue design promoted by Trump and has already attracted major attention. However, the aircraft has also sparked political and legal debate, with critics questioning the acceptance of such a valuable aircraft from a foreign government.
The Trump administration says the aircraft is a government asset rather than a personal gift and will serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing works on the delayed new Air Force One aircraft.
Meanwhile, military preparations have increased ahead of the visit, with aircraft including Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Marine helicopters arriving at Bismarck Municipal Airport for security operations.
The first flight of the aircraft is expected to become a major moment in presidential aviation history while continuing the debate over its future role and ownership.