Trump takes new Qatari jet for test flight to celebrate America 250 and another president
WASHINGTON – President Trump will take his new Air Force One for its first flight on Wednesday when he heads to North Dakota to open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.The trip is part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.The president will also take a train ride, boarding the BNSF Freedom 250 Train as part of the journey to the library site.A ceremonial Rough Riders Troop will accompany the presidential motorcade to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
The group on horseback will evoke the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and the volunteer cavalry regiment that helped define his public image, a White House official told The Post.The day of planes, trains and automobiles begins with the presidential aircraft, a brand new addition to the Air Force fleet that ferries government officials on their travels.The president formally introduced the 747 jet — a gift from Qatar — last week, showing off its sleek red, white, blue and gold design.He described it as a “flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before.”“President Trump will make history twice in one day: boarding the new Air Force One for its maiden flight and traveling to the great State of North Dakota to dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told The Post.
“No modern president understands what it means to be the ‘man in the arena’ better than President Donald Trump, and he will deliver a fitting tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt, one of the greatest leaders in American history, as we celebrate our country’s proud 250th anniversary,” she added.Wednesday’s trip will feature several administration officials on board to mark the historic occasion, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who, as governor of North Dakota, played a critical role in the Roosevelt library’s development.State Gov.Kelly Armstrong will meet the president on the ground and accompany him throughout the ...