It's All About The Glitz

Trump's Idea Of A Perfect Air Force One

In May, Qatar gifted a 747 jet to the United States.  It is unclear whether it is the property of the United States or the Air Force, but will undoubtedly end up as the property of Donald Trump, (aka Commander of Grift).  It is also unclear how much the upgrades will cost, how long they will take and exactly where the money will come from.

Newsweek reported that an official with information about the contract to modify the Qatar plane to be an Air Force One, referred to the jet as "executive airlift" and not "presidential transport,". This suggests requirements may differ.  It was also suggested this may mean fewer security, communications or defensive systems.

If this "new" Air Force One is not up to the standards of a real Air Force One, it will probably not be used overseas.  So we will pay somewhere between 400 million to a billion dollars for a plane that will be more ostentatious, but not as capable or safe.  But that is the Trump style.

Image from  ChatGPT.

It's All About The Insecurity Equipment

Does Trump really believe that accepting the gift of a lavish 747 jet is good for the country or is it just good for Trump's ego?

The Qatari plane was built to haul a king around in ostentatious luxury.  The replacement Air Force One planes currently in production are being designed to haul a president around comfortably with extreme security measures to keep the  president safe and elaborate communications equipment that would allow him to perform presidential duties from anywhere in the world.  Granted the  replacement planes are over budget and delayed, but that just proves that refitting the Qatari plane will not be easy, cheap or fast.

For example, Air Force One has the ability to be refueled in flight by military tankers.  I doubt that the Qatari plane has this capability.

The Qatari 747 does have some features not found on the current and replacement Air Force One planes: insecurity equipment. 

This is all about Trump's ego.  That says a lot since Trump has the use of Air Force One just to shuffle him between his golf outings.

So let's suppose he gets permission and money to modify the free Qatari bribe plane (there is no such thing as a free lunch or a free luxury jet).  It will take at least a couple of years for the upgrade to be completed.  So we put millions of dollars into the plane and he uses it as Air Force One for a year or a year and a half.  Trump says the plane will then go to his library. Not a chance.  He'll fly in it (probably at tax payer expense) until he drops.

Most of the security equipment that had to be added to the plane will have to removed so it can't fall into an adversaries hands.  Who pays for that?

Even worse, what if it is not complete when his term expires?  Do tax payers have to pay to finish the project so he can fly it around?

There are actually two Air Force One planes.  Their use is rotated so there is always a backup ready when needed.  Pity the poor fool who has to tell Trump he has to use the old dumpy Air Force One for a flight.  The old Air Force Ones will probably be reserved for Melania or the kids.  

Or maybe Don Jr. will want to continue to use the Qatari plane when he is elected in 2028.

I've go to stop.  This is all making me nauseous.