President Donald Trump announced that the new Air Force One plane, a generous gift from Qatar, will undergo upgrades amid concerns about its security capabilities. Returning from attending the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump addressed reporters’ questions regarding the plane’s missile-defense systems.

“It has a lot of capability,” Trump commented on the jet, which he began using recently. He explained that modifications would maximize its potential, estimating that the upgrade process would take about a month.

Earlier this month, Trump’s choice to fly back from a NATO summit in Turkey using a different presidential aircraft drew attention. The switch from the Qatari-donated jet ignited curiosity over the administration’s motives and the preparedness of the new Air Force One.

During media interaction, Trump dismissed security concerns as the reason for the change. He did acknowledge, however, the inherent dangers faced by a president. “I’m No. 1 on the kill list for Iran,” Trump stated after mentioning the risks involved.

NBC News revealed that the Secret Service advised Trump to return using the older aircraft. The suggestion followed his departure from Turkey, a location near the Middle East, where tensions had escalated with Iran.

Recent reports indicate the Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Times journalists due to coverage of security issues related to the new Air Force One.

This luxury Boeing 747-8 jet was presented by Qatar’s royal family in 2025 as Trump’s new Air Force One. Trump had previously marked its arrival at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, showcasing a distinct red, white, and dark-blue color scheme diverging from the previous model’s lighter blue. He praised it as a “flying White House at a level of luxury no one has ever seen before.” The jet served him during a visit to North Dakota for an event honoring Theodore Roosevelt.

Designated as a temporary stand-in, the jet fulfills its role while Boeing tackles delayed deliveries of next-generation Air Force One planes, projected for completion in 2028.