President Donald Trump couldn’t assist however boast about his hand-picked coloration scheme of the $400 million jet gifted by Qatar as he unveiled America’s new Air Drive One.
On Friday, the president traveled to Joint Base Andrews and delivered remarks to service members whereas standing in a hangar in entrance of the large jet. The pink, white and blue paint scheme is much like Trump’s non-public aircraft and a departure from the sunshine blue of the outdated Air Drive One which was not too long ago retired.
Trump’s acquisition of the jet – which he’ll hold after his time period – was met with outrage over safety issues and battle of curiosity claims.
“We had all of it painted up, and these are the brand new colours: pink, white and blue,” the 80-year-old president mentioned. “All the things was designed good. It was my style.”
Trump mentioned he favored the lighter shade of blue that has come to outline the presidential aircraft, however declared it was “time for a change.”
“There’ll by no means be one like this. That is very distinctive. That is thought of the world’s most luxurious aircraft,” he added. “When it was constructed, it was constructed at a stage that may most likely by no means be seen once more.”
“This aircraft was reworked right into a flying White Home at a stage of luxurious that no person’s ever seen earlier than,” Trump mentioned.
The president added that the aircraft will probably be a part of a flyover to have a good time America’s 250th birthday.
The Air Drive introduced in Might that it had completed modifying and testing the Qatari jet for short-term use. The aircraft just isn’t but prepared to hold Trump, however will quickly start “commissioning flights.”
Trump first introduced final Might that the Qatari authorities would donate a jet to function the presidential aircraft, changing the Boeing 747-200B jumbo jets which have ferried presidents world wide for 3 many years. The choice sparked backlash from lawmakers who mentioned the deal smacked of corruption.
“I do not know who wants to listen to this, however NO, Donald Trump can’t settle for a $400 million flying palace from the royal household of Qatar,” Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont impartial, wrote on X final Might.
“Not solely is that this farcically corrupt, it’s blatantly unconstitutional,” he added.
Many Individuals seem to agree. In a Harvard/Harris ballot final yr, 62 % of voters mentioned the president’s acceptance of the posh jet “raises moral issues about corruption.”
Trump, nevertheless, dismissed criticism, writing on Reality Social that “solely a FOOL wouldn’t settle for this present on behalf of our Nation.”
“Why ought to our navy, and subsequently our taxpayers, be pressured to pay a whole lot of tens of millions of {Dollars} once they can get it for FREE from a rustic that wishes to reward us for a job properly finished,” he added.
The Republican president has mentioned the jet from Qatar will probably be used till a brand new fleet of Boeing planes for presidential use are accomplished. It’s anticipated to be donated to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves workplace.
