Joe had a good post yesterday about how Pool-ghazi has all of the characteristics of a Trump-era incompetent grift. My guess is the new Air Force One, a “gift” to Trump from Qatar, is going to shake out to be similar to the pool once the facts dribble out. To me, this is a tell:
[…]The Air Force originally estimated the plane would be delivered in 2028 but said by modifying requirements it could deliver the first aircraft in 2027. The modifications "were carefully crafted to prioritize mission over aesthetics, leaving much of the previous head of state interior layout minimally changed," the Air Force said.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach praised the delivery.
"Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline," he said.
Unfortunately, we can’t trust the word of an Air Force general anymore. What this tells us is that, instead of stripping it down and rebuilding it, the (I’m sure) incredibly gaudy interior that was built for the Emir of Qatar was retained. I’m also doubtful that the administration that built a “situation room” at Mar-a-Lago that’s essentially some ballroom curtains and banquet tables is very concerned about secure communications.
Since the plane is going to be sent to Trump’s Presidential Library, this is essentially a billion-dollar ripoff of the American taxpayer. Put clawing this thing back and breaking it up for scrap onto the long, long list of what Democrats need to do in 2029.
