Questions about the ACTUAL Air Force One, should Trump accept that "gift"

[Miles Archer]

1). Do we KNOW that Air Force One NEEDS TO BE replaced / upgraded, or does Trump just want an ego boost from a new toy?

2). What happens to the ACTUAL AIR FORCE ONE? Will it be maintained, or sent to the junkyard?

3). Will the NEXT president be able to USE the ACTUAL AIR FORCE ONE, or...since Trump plans to "keep" the gift...will they be faced with purchasing a NEW Air Force One immediately after taking office?

[deRien]

1. Don't all gifts

Over a set amount belong to government?

[Miles Archer]

3. Bondi got "creative."

She wrote it up so that it goes to the "Trump Presidential Library Foundation," even though he plans to keep it for personal use, so that it "theoretically belongs to the government."

[jls4561]

2. You have to watch out for autocorrect. I think it deleted an "r" in the last word of your title.

[Miles Archer]

4. Well played, Mr. Bond.

[FBaggins]

5. Air Force One is in need of replacement

(Ignoring the fact that any AF plane carrying the president is technically AF1) - There are actually a pair of 747s that primarily serve the role. They're about 35 years old. There was a decision to replace them about a decade ago (just before Trump's first term). As could be expected - they are late and coming in more expensive than planned.

There are any number of concerns re: accepting a replacement from Qatar (entirely separate from whether or not it can be done legally).

There are good reasons for there to be two identical aircraft serving in the role and one aircraft can't get the job done. AF1 is not just a jazzed-up comfortable travel option for the president. It is specifically modified to support POTUS whever he is in the world. The "palace in the sky" doesn't have secure military command and control communication equipment. Almost certainly can't refuel in the air. Probably doesn't have surgical facilities. And if it has countermeasures to avoid being shot down... they probably aren't up to the same standard.

And is Qatar enough of an ally to trust them not to rig the aircraft in some way that benefits them?

[Retrograde]

6. But it's got all that gold!

Well, gold paint or gilt, since actual gold is heavy AF.

Qatar may be an ally, but their first interests are to themselves and their citizens. If the Qatari rulers think they'll get something useful by bugging this plane you bet they will - and I'd expect the US to do something similar if the positions were reversed.

As much as I like flying in 747s (especially if I get to ride in the upper cabin) they're also old planes. If I were going to take a bribe - excuse me, gift - I'd want something more up-to-date.

[RandomNumbers]

7. Your last line

was my first thought on hearing about this.

It is completely insane. But, insanity is now "normal" in this country, it seems.

[markie]

8. should Trump accept that "gift"

NO!