President Donald Trump will take his first flight aboard a newly retrofitted Boeing 747-8i serving as Air Force One on Wednesday, traveling to Medora, North Dakota, to open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and promote a conservation initiative tied to America’s 250th birthday.
The aircraft was donated by the Qatar government and upgraded at a cost of $400 million. It replaces a 36‑year‑old plane that previously served in the same role.
The trip includes a meeting with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other officials in Medora. A ceremonial Rough Riders horseback escort will accompany the delegation to the museum.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library highlights Roosevelt’s expansion of federal protection for natural resources and public lands. The museum showcases national parks, national monuments, and the U.S. Forest Service.
A quote on the museum wall reflects Roosevelt’s view on natural resource stewardship: “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired.”
During the visit, President Trump will sign the Great American Outdoors Act Reauthorization. The act renews funding for conservation projects and allocates roughly $1.9 billion annually for maintenance of public lands.
The reauthorization supports projects such as road and bridge repairs, trail maintenance, and upgrades to campgrounds, visitor centers, and water systems across national parks and forests.
The event underscores the administration’s commitment to preserving outdoor spaces for future generations. The opening of the library and the signing of the legislation coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
