Donald Trump: Kill the Air Force One Deal

WASHINGTON, DC — President-elect Donald Trump is going off on Twitter again, this time expressing outrage over the cost of a new Air Force One, the Boeing 747 charged with transporting the president all around the globe.

The government is under contract with Boeing to build two or more new aircraft entering service in 2024, but the Air Force wants to build them faster. However, that has resulted in a heavy increase in cost.

On Tuesday morning, Trump tweeted: "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!"

Trump currently flies his own plane, which is also a 747, but as president he would need to opt for Air Force One, which is specially outfitted for the president.

Boeing issued the following statement in response: "We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the President of the United States. We look forward to working with the U.S. Air Force on subsequent phases of the program allowing us to deliver the best planes for the President at the best value for the American taxpayer."

Meanwhile, a new Morning Consult/Politico poll released Tuesday indicates that Trump tweets entirely too much. A total of 56 percent of respondents said Trump is on Twitter too often, while 16 percent said he uses it an appropriate amount. And 5 percent said they actually want him to tweet more.

Of course, that opinion splits very much along party lines. Just 37 percent of those who voted for him believe he tweets too much, compared to 75 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of independents.

The poll surveyed 1,401 registered voters on Dec. 1 and 2, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Trump tweeted on Monday that "If the press would cover me accurately & honorably, I would have far less reason to 'tweet.' Sadly, I don't know if that will ever happen!"

Image via Flickr user Gage Skidmore