President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the new Air Force One, which was given to him by the Qatari government, saying it would be used during a ceremonial flyover in Washington on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
At an event at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the new jet is “virtually double in size” to the old Air Force One plane that presidents have used in the past.
“This is considered the world’s most luxurious plane. When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again,” Trump said.
The $400 million jet raised concerns from lawmakers about the legality and conditions surrounding the gift. The Trump administration accepted the jet from the Qatari royal family last July.
With the new plane, colored red, white, and blue, Trump is expected to use it during events marking the nation’s landmark anniversary.
“Nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country. Nobody even comes close,” Trump said.
Trump claimed that the plane “flies further and faster than any Air Force One” and that it’s “representative of our country.”
“Flies further, you don’t have to stop for fuel every few hours. You maybe will never have to stop for you, got they call it unlimited. Well, it’s pretty close to unlimited, and which is among the most beautiful aircraft the Air Force will ever see or operate,” Trump said.
“This is representative of our country. Now, when we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country. Nobody even comes close,” he added.
The plane is estimated to be worth $400 million, but the U.S. government has spent more of the taxpayers’ money to get it ready for security purposes.
The White House has said the plane will ultimately be given to Trump’s presidential library foundation when he leaves office.
