White House Communications Director Steven Cheung tried to promote the inaugural flight of Donald Trump's controversial new Air Force One jet, but his post was quickly overtaken by sarcastic social media users who derided the aircraft with nicknames like 'Air Fraud One' and 'Bribe Force One.'
Maiden Voyage to North Dakota
Trump flew to North Dakota on the plane to become the first official visitor to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The new jumbo jet, a retrofitted Boeing 747 worth $400 million, was previously owned by Qatar before being given to Trump and converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. Although the 'gift' has raised serious ethical concerns, Cheung did not mention those in his post, simply writing: 'Maiden voyage on the new Air Force One!'
Social Media Backlash
Many people on X made their views on the plane clear. The California Governor's Press Office quipped, 'Air Fraud One.' Others called it 'Qatar Force One,' 'Bribe Force One,' and 'ConAir 2.' One user wrote, 'Monica takes a break from defending Nixon to wallow in Trump's new Flying Bribery Palace. These people are BRAGGING about their corruption. They're BRAGGING that they're stealing from taxpayers.' Another added, 'Yay let’s celebrate a $400M blood money gift.'
Ethical Concerns
The aircraft, a former Qatari government jet, was reportedly gifted to Trump, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and violations of the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits U.S. officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments. Critics argue that the plane's conversion into Air Force One represents a clear case of corruption, as Trump benefits personally from a foreign entity's largesse.
