Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15s provide an honorary escort for Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, as it arrives in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Experts said the idea made no financial or practical sense given that Boeing is already deep into a multiyear effort to convert two 747s to replace current Air Force One planes.

“I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much,” Mr. Trump said.

President Donald Trump opened his four-day Mideast trip on Tuesday arriving in Saudi Arabia, the first leg of his three-nation visit this week meant to tackle multiple crises and conflicts across the region.

the agreement is worth nearly $142bn (£107bn) and includes providing Saudi Arabia with "state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defence firms".

An image of the men touching the orb — with the first lady, Melania Trump, looking on — circulated widely on social media, with memes multiplying in short order.