President Trump voiced his frustration Friday over having to fly back home aboard a decades-old aircraft, complaining about the outdated Air Force One before reassuring listeners that upgraded versions are on the way. “I leave now and get onto a 42-year-old Boeing. But new ones are coming. New ones are coming,” Trump said while speaking in Abu Dhabi.
Throughout his three-country visit to the Middle East, Trump enthusiastically promoted American interests—particularly those of Boeing. He secured major aviation deals, including over $110 billion in aircraft purchases from Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, marking a major boost for the U.S. aviation industry.
“Boeing makes the best plane, and they’ve had some headaches over the past years,” Trump said during a presentation focused on business opportunities at the close of his diplomatic mission.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s comment about incoming aircraft signals a shift in his earlier openness to receiving a luxurious $400 million private jet from Qatar, which he previously defended by saying “only a fool” would turn down such a gift.
The notion of Trump accepting the high-end plane has drawn backlash from both sides of the political aisle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have spoken out, as have conservative figures like commentator Mark Levin and Ari Fleischer, the former press secretary for President George W. Bush.
During the trip, Trump acknowledged his disappointment that Boeing wouldn’t be able to supply the new Air Force One jets before 2027. Still, he offered praise for the company and was seated beside Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg at an event in Qatar on Thursday.
Trump highlighted Boeing’s innovation, pointing to its role in producing the new F-47 fighter jet, named in part in honor of the 47th president. He also announced plans to award Boeing a fresh contract to develop a new, previously unpublicized aircraft called the F-55.
{Matzav.com}