Justice Department asks judge to uphold NYT subpoenas in Air Force One leak probe

US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the new Air Force One, gifted by Qatar, will undergo extensive upgrades to enhance its security features. The decision comes after reports surfaced indicating the plane lacks critical missile-defense systems compared to its predecessor. Trump stated the aircraft would be “maxed out” within a month, though specifics remain unclear. The new jet, which Trump began using on July 1, was donated by Qatar’s royal family following complaints about the condition of the two aging aircraft that had served as the official presidential plane since 1990. The Boeing 747, painted in red, white, dark blue, and gold as per Trump’s preference, was refitted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies. The rapid completion of the upgrades has drawn scrutiny, with some experts questioning whether the plane offers the same level of security as the previous model. On July 8, Trump abruptly switched from the new Air Force One during a flight from Turkey to the UK due to escalating tensions with Iran. He opted for the older model, describing the move as “for old time’s sake.” However, he later returned to the new jet for the journey back to the United States. Trump also mentioned that he had sent the new plane ahead from the Turkey summit to an airbase in Britain, allowing military personnel to view it. The New York Times reported that the new Air Force One lacks key security measures, including anti-missile defenses, which are standard on the older model. This revelation led to the newspaper being subpoenaed by the Trump administration. The Times has since filed a lawsuit seeking to block these legal actions, requesting a court order to prevent officials from appearing before a grand jury in Manhattan federal court. The upgrade process for the Qatar-gifted jet is expected to take approximately a month. While Trump emphasized that the plane would be fully equipped with advanced capabilities, he did not elaborate on the nature of the enhancements. The US Air Force has yet to provide further comments on the matter. Boeing, tasked with delivering two new purpose-built 747-8s under a $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018, continues to face delays. Originally scheduled for delivery by mid-2028, the project is now four years late and significantly over budget. In the interim, the Qatar-funded jet serves as a temporary solution, despite concerns over its readiness and security profile. Critics have raised broader issues surrounding the donation, including ethical and constitutional implications of receiving such a valuable asset from a foreign nation. The arrangement has sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest and the influence of foreign governments on US national interests. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration maintains that the gift was made freely and in accordance with diplomatic protocols. As the upgrades proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the new Air Force One meets the highest standards of security and operational capability. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for reliable presidential transport, the outcome of this enhancement process will likely shape future discussions on the procurement and maintenance of executive aircraft.