Trump Ditches New Qatari Jet for Old Air Force One, Reigniting Refurbishment Scrutiny

President Donald Trump unexpectedly reverted to an older Air Force One for his departure from Turkey, bypassing a recently renovated jet gifted by Qatar. This decision has reignited concerns about the expensive and rapidly completed refurbishment of the Qatari aircraft, which was meant to serve as a temporary replacement for the presidential fleet.

The trip to Turkey marked the new plane's first international journey amid heightened tensions with Iran, a country bordering Turkey. Critics have questioned the cost, security, and swiftness of the jet's retrofit. Trump, however, explained his choice on social media, stating he flew on the older plane "for old time's sake." He added that the new aircraft would stop at the same base in Britain to allow U.S. service members to tour it.

The new plane is a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar last year and refitted by L3Harris Technologies. When asked if assassination threats influenced his decision, Trump did not directly answer but acknowledged the potential danger.

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for old time's sake