Politics

Trump plans to use Qatari-gifted jet for Ireland trip despite unresolved security questions

The travel marks the aircraft's first international flight since a July security threat prompted Trump to switch planes in Turkey.

Updated Sep 4, 2026 · 21:18 UTC3 reports

The short version

Donald Trump plans to fly to Ireland next week aboard the Boeing jet gifted by Qatar.
The trip will be the aircraft's first foreign flight since a July incident in Turkey, where Trump secretly switched to a different plane due to an Iranian threat while leaving aides and press aboard as a decoy.
The administration has declined to detail specific security upgrades on the converted aircraft, though Trump previously indicated the jet would be grounded for enhancements.

Donald Trump intends to use the Boeing jet gifted by Qatar for an upcoming official trip to Ireland.[The Guardian · The Washington Post · ABC News]
The aircraft was converted for presidential use following ongoing delays with two custom-built Boeing Air Force One replacements.[The Guardian]
During a NATO summit in Turkey in July, Trump secretly switched to an Air Force C-32A military transport via a catering truck due to an Iranian threat, while senior aides and journalists departed on the original plane.[The Guardian · The Washington Post · ABC News]
A senior administration official declined to comment on specific modifications to the aircraft, citing standard policy on Air Force One capabilities.[The Guardian · ABC News]

It remains unclear what specific defensive or security modifications the Qatari-gifted aircraft has received, or whether planned upgrades to fully outfit the plane have been completed or delayed.[The Guardian · The Washington Post · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.