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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Josh Marcus

Trump fills the Oval Office with model warplanes as Qatar jet row rumbles on

  • President Donald Trump's fascination with aviation is on full display inside the Oval Office, where model fighter jets, historic aircraft and a miniature version of his controversial Qatar-donated Air Force One line the room.
  • Trump's Qatar-gifted Air Force One has officially entered service, but the aircraft still needs further security upgrades—forcing the president to switch back to the older presidential jet for a recent overseas trip.
  • Democrats have repeatedly tried to block military funding for the luxury jet's retrofit, arguing taxpayers should not foot the bill for an aircraft Trump has said will eventually be transferred to his presidential library.
  • The Trump administration has repeatedly defended military pilots accused of risky flying, even when internal military investigations found their maneuvers violated safety standards.
  • Among the incidents: a Blue Angels pilot who flew dangerously low over packed beaches, South Carolina National Guard pilots accused of an unauthorized low sweep, and military helicopter crews who buzzed musician Kid Rock's Tennessee property.
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