In the first administration of the orange one, it was decided that two new Air Force One planes for the president were required. Boeing quoted the price, and 47 went ballistic at the cost. They're complicated airplanes, they have inflight refueling, electronic war counter measures, chaff and flares, secure encrypted communications and like that. Boeing's normal process was to build the air frames and turn them over to the company that does that kind of work. Because it's an empty air frame it's a lot easier to install the specialized mission equipment. But no, 47 went for a deal with Russia and bought two used, fully stuffed, passenger 747s. Cheap! These things have been a nightmare to customize; and yes, they're late. Zero money over all has been saved due to the complexity of retrofitting the planes. Boeing would have been better off sending 47 to Airbus.
So, enter Qatar, they're going to "gift" the US Air Force with a flying palace, a 12 yr old 747-800, business jet. It, too, will have to have extensive modifications, paid for by tax payers, to the point the 47 will probably not fly on it as president. It will take some time to remove the listening devices installed in the walls. Then, when he leaves office, ownership will transfer to the Presidential library, which is controlled by the National Archives and Records Administration. 47 sees this as "he gets a free airplane." The rest of us see this as a blatant violation of the Emoluments Act and just plain corrupt.
This was said today.
President Donald Trump on Monday defended Qatar’s offer of a Boeing 747 aircraft for him to use, dismissing concerns about the ethics and constitutionality of such an arrangement.
“We’re very disappointed that it’s taking Boeing so long to build a new Air Force One,” Trump said, complaining that the current presidential plane is not in the same “ballgame” as those used by leaders of other countries.
Trump claimed Qatar offered to donate a 747 to the U.S. Defense Department for Trump to use temporarily while Boeing completes the two Air Force One planes it has a contract to build.
It's a beautiful airplane, who wouldn't want one? However, this is wrong.
So, this is what we're outraged about today.
Can you imagine what other features this aircraft may have? Like listening devices and hidden cameras.
ReplyDeletePresedent setting...any country interested in bribing the orange toddler can do and will do.Up for grabs- Baby wants shiny objects!
ReplyDeleteEveryone says, "He can't DO that..." but he does do it, and there is no one to stop him. We are screwed. Well and truly screwed.
ReplyDeleteSpeechless!
ReplyDeleteThe Emolument Clause of the Constitution couldn't be clearer, all the while Congress and the Supreme Court sit on their hands.
ReplyDelete"Article I, Section 9, Clause 8:
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
Of course he wants it...it's GOLD! I read yesterday that Qatar was shocked to learn that Trump says they are giving him the plane when they were offering it temporarily. Will be interesting to see if they demand it back or not. But yeah, Trump doesn't give a shit about this country or the work of being president. It's all about scamming and getting even richer. And as long as the Republican majority in Congress lets him get away with it he will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteHe's an awful human being. I will never forget Spy magazine's nickname for him, the "short-fingered vulgarian" -- it really is perfect.
ReplyDeleteA Four Hundred Million Dollar Bribe does violate the Emoluments Act and is not without strings attached since nobody gives Four Hundred Million Dollar 'Gifts', he's not 'liked' that much. They'd have to tear it down to the studs to ensure National Security since, well, Qatar, need I say more, they are the largest Supporters of Hamas and it's not as if Donnie Two Dolls hasn't been in deep with Dark Money Loans in the Past that Royal Families of Arabic Nations have loaned him and he can't possibly repay... oh, and Dark Money from China, Russia, Deutsche Bank... and Lord knows who else "Owns" him already. He's Selling Out America to anyone willing to Buy a piece, and Whoring himself out as well. I do like Steve's Nickname of Short Fingered Vulgarian, he does have some little Hands and the Porn Star confirmed other small Body Parts...
ReplyDelete