In a flurry of social media activity, President Donald Trump unveiled a model of the "America First 250" plane, capturing attention the day after Christmas.
According to The Independent, Trump was particularly active on Truth Social, posting at an average rate of every two minutes early Friday morning. Among these posts was an image of him in the Oval Office, proudly displaying the model aircraft on the Resolute Desk.
The photo was shared without accompanying commentary, amidst a series of posts addressing topics such as the Senate filibuster, federal unemployment figures, and a news article about the Jeffrey Epstein files affecting Democrats. This followed a peculiar Christmas Day post where Trump distanced himself from Epstein, labeling the controversy as a "Radical Left Witch Hunt."
The model jet, emblazoned with "America First" and the number "250," seems to nod to the upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States. Trump has already laid out plans for this milestone, including a UFC event on the White House South Lawn and a youth competition dubbed the 'Patriot Games,' which some have unfavorably compared to The Hunger Games.
The official White House account also shared the image of Trump with the model plane, prompting speculation among followers about its identity. Some questioned if it was the $400 million jet Trump accepted from Qatar, which he had previously arranged to serve as a temporary Air Force One.
In the spring, Trump accepted the luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar, expressing dissatisfaction with the delay in the construction of new Air Force One planes by the U.S. aircraft manufacturer. This acceptance stirred controversy, with critics raising concerns about potential violations of the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clause. Despite the uproar, Justice Department lawyers, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington, swiftly determined that the aircraft's donation was "legally permissible."
The U.S. has reportedly begun the costly process of refitting the plane, with Trump suggesting it could be operational by February 2026. The debate over the ethics of accepting such a gift underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Trump's actions and decisions.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the President's plans and the controversies surrounding them continue to spark discussion and debate.
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