Trump hails first flight of new Air Force One

Washington, July 2 (IANS/WISHAVWARTA) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, calling it the first journey aboard what he described as “maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built” while also declaring that talks on the “denuclearisation” of Iran were progressing well.

Speaking to reporters before boarding the aircraft for travel to the opening of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library, Trump said the aircraft symbolised America’s stature and replaced a presidential fleet that had become outdated.

“So, this will be the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built,” Trump said. “I said to Boeing, what’s the best one? They said this is the best plane ever built.”

He said the aircraft had recently been modified to meet presidential security requirements.

“They just completed it. They made it appropriate for a president; that means the security and all of the different bells and whistles they put on, very complex stuff, but it’s really quite something,” he said.

Calling the aircraft one “that the United States of America should have”, Trump noted that the existing Air Force One fleet was “35-36 years old”.

“It really didn’t look appropriate for our country. So, we’re very proud of this; the country is very proud of it,” he said.

Asked about the cost of the aircraft, Trump said it had been provided by Qatar.

“It cost very little relative to what it would cost if we did it a different way. So, this was a gift from a country that’s treated us very well, and they’re an ally of ours over in the Middle East, Qatar,” he said.

Trump said he had sought permission from Qatar to use the aircraft while new presidential aircraft ordered from Boeing were still under construction.

“I went to Qatar; I said, I’d like to use it for a period of time because the other ones, as you know, are under construction,” he said. According to Trump, Qatar’s Emir responded: “No, no, I’d like to make a contribution to the country.”

The President also used the appearance to offer an upbeat assessment of US-Iran diplomacy following recent American military strikes.

“As far as things are going, the denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well. They’ve had very good meetings, and we’ll see,” he said. “We hit them very hard for three nights, as you know, but we’re getting along very well.”

Pressed on whether Washington could return to military action if Iran failed to comply with the memorandum of understanding, Trump replied: “I think they’ve come a long way. We hit them very hard last week. I think they’re fine.”

“I think we’re going to — it’s the denuclearisation of Iran, it’s very simple. And Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

Trump also pointed to what he described as strong economic performance, saying stock markets were setting records and investment commitments had reached “$19.1 trillion”. He argued that rising markets were benefiting ordinary Americans through retirement savings.

“Everybody benefits. When the stock market goes up everybody benefits; more jobs, more everything,” he said.

Responding to questions about his financial disclosures, Trump rejected suggestions that he was profiting from the presidency, saying his assets were managed independently.

“I made a lot of money before I became president, and they invest my money, and I don’t talk to them,” he said. “I purposely — I never speak to any of the people that run the money.”

On declassification of government records, Trump said acting official Bill Pulte had broad authority during his temporary tenure.

“I told him you can declassify whatever you want,” Trump said, adding that Jay Clayton was expected to assume the position after completing the Senate confirmation process.

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