Trump says Qatari-gifted Air Force One will be ‘maxed out,’ appearing to confirm security issues

Key Points:

• President Trump acknowledged that the Qatari-donated jet serving as Air Force One will be sent for upgrades to enhance its missile-defense capabilities, admitting it is not as fully equipped as older aircraft.
• Trump’s administration has aggressively investigated leaks about the plane’s security deficiencies, with officials including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and FBI Director Kash Patel involved, and reporters from The New York Times subpoenaed.
• Despite continuing to use the plane, Trump confirmed it will be “maxed out” with improved security features within about a month.
• Security concerns arose after Trump unexpectedly switched planes during a NATO summit return, with sources indicating the newer jet lacks some safety features present in the older, custom-built Air Force One.
• The newer plane was retrofitted after being donated by Qatar, but US security personnel prefer the older model due to its superior protection for the president in international settings.