Excited' Trump takes first flight on Qatar-gifted Air Force One

Excited' Trump takes first flight on Qatar-gifted Air Force One as President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was thrilled to make his first trip aboard the newly delivered aircraft. Trump thanked Qatar for the controversial gift of the heavily modified Boeing 747-8, which he said the U.S. “couldn’t build” even though it was originally manufactured in the country. The 80-year-old president flew from Joint Base Andrews near Washington ahead of an appearance at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota tied to celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Critics have raised ethical, constitutional and security concerns because Qatar, a Gulf emirate and mediator in talks between the U.S. and Iran, donated the jet last year. The aircraft underwent modifications and testing before service. Trump said the adaptation cost to taxpayers was “very little” compared with alternatives and noted Boeing is expected to deliver two new purpose-built Air Force Ones in about two years, after delays and cost overruns.