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2025-07-29 10:25:02
Trump's "Flying Palace" jet needs $934 million or more to be renovated. The New York Times reported on Sunday, citing Air Force sources, that the luxury jet gifted by Qatar to US President Trump is expected to cost $934 million or more to renovate. The outlet claims the funds were secretly diverted from funds originally earmarked for the modernization of US land-based nuclear missile systems. Earlier this year, the Qatari royal family gifted Trump a $400 million Boeing 747-8, nicknamed the "Flying Palace." Due to delays in the delivery of the new Boeing jet, the aircraft has been transferred to the Pentagon for use as Air Force One. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegsey and Qatar's Defense Minister signed an agreement on Qatar's "unconditional donation" earlier this month. Renovation work is expected to begin in the coming weeks. While the official cost is classified, sources told the New York Times that the Pentagon is hiding the renovation funds within the Sentinel program, which aims to comprehensively upgrade the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system through new launch facilities and communications systems. According to Air Force sources, the Pentagon quietly inserted $934 million in funding for the Qatari aircraft renovation in documents recently submitted to Congress. Air Force Secretary Troy Maker, in testimony to Congress in June, estimated the renovation cost to be less than $400 million. However, Air Force engineers told the New York Times that estimate was unrealistic, citing the need for comprehensive modifications, including communications systems, anti-missile systems, engine upgrades, removal of suspicious surveillance equipment, and the "luxury enhancements" required by Trump.
