Trump Tweets Order to Cancel New 747 Air Force One, Wrongly States Costs, Boeing Stock Drops
What Prompted This Latest Trump Outburst?
Out of thin air Donald Trump Tuesday morning posted a tweet demanding the federal government cancel a new 747 Air Force One, falsely stating the price tag, and claiming the costs are too high. Immediately as the markets opened Boeing’s stock dropped.
Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016
In reality, the cost for two new Air Force Ones is not $4 billion, but $1.65 billion. It’s unclear where Trump got the $4 billion figure. The planes would replace the currently aging Air Force Ones, which are becoming expensive to repair and maintain.
Reporters managed to corner Trump at Trump Tower. He told them he wants Boeing to make a lot of money, just not that much money.
President-elect Trump on his desire to cancel Boeing’s Air Force One order: “We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money†pic.twitter.com/kIdpCy0JuX
— CNN (@CNN) December 6, 2016
Boeing is a $96 billion corporation that employs 157,000 people. Its stock right now is down 1.31%:
The question of course is why — what prompted this outburst.
On MSNBC David Corn noted that Trump’s call to the president of Taiwan last Friday sparked outrage from China, and could jeopardize billions of dollars worth of orders for Boeing airplanes China has placed.
Anyone who does big business with USG, this will be SOP with Trump administration. Forced Renegotiation of contracts on a whim. https://t.co/kQ2W5jDAxn
— John Aravosis (@aravosis) December 6, 2016
On Monday, the CEO of Boeing rightly urged Trump to keep the Export-Import bank, a key target Republicans have been campaigning to eliminate.
Last year Boeing announced plans to build planes in China, because the future of the Export-Import was in question, thanks to the GOP.Â
“After a hundred years of producing its commercial aircraft exclusively in the U.S., the nation’s largest exporter will build its first offshore aircraft plant in China,” Forbes had reported.
But really, who knows…
Â
Image by US Dept. Of State via Flickr Â
Â

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |