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Trump Grounds Air Force One for Month-Long Upgrade

7/21/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump Grounds AF1

President Donald Trump said July 20, 2026 Air Force One will be grounded month for upgrades after his final in New Jersey.
White House said jet is safe, will receive upgrades, and Trump will fly older Air Force One during month-long work.
Aerospace experts said the retrofit would likely involve only software updates and non-kinetic defenses.
Secret Service urged Trump to use older Air Force One for July 8 Turkey-UK leg.

Left

Trump Grounds

President Donald Trump announced on July 20, 2026 Air Force One will be grounded a month for upgrades after his Cup final in New Jersey.
Lawmakers warned the Qatar-gifted jet may violate the emoluments clause and cited missing anti-missile defenses.
The White House launched a probe and subpoenaed four New York Times reporters.
The retrofit costs under $400 million, yet experts warn security upgrades may take years.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Congressional Democrats and ethics watchdogs said the Qatar-gifted jet may violate the Constitution’s emoluments clause and that Trump plans to keep the aircraft for his presidential library.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In 2025 President Donald Trump secured Qatar’s donated 747-8, renamed the VC-25B Bridge, for presidential use, recalling the 1990 transition from SAM 27000 to the VC-25 fleet that began modernizing Air Force One. L3Harris oversaw its conversion, funded by an estimated $934 million shifted from the LGM-35 Sentinel missile program, prompting Foreign Emoluments Clause concerns and congressional review.

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Trump Grounds AF1

President Donald Trump said July 20, 2026 Air Force One will be grounded month for upgrades after his final in New Jersey.
White House said jet is safe, will receive upgrades, and Trump will fly older Air Force One during month-long work.
Aerospace experts said the retrofit would likely involve only software updates and non-kinetic defenses.
Secret Service urged Trump to use older Air Force One for July 8 Turkey-UK leg.

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