Trump slams Boeing deal for new Air Force One

Trump thinks Boeing is pulling a number on the government and wants to halt their development of the new presidential aircraft. USA TODAY

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday called for the U.S. government to cancel a deal with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for development of a new Air Force One.

The Air Force signed deals with Boeing in January and July to design certain aspects of the new presidential aircraft, including its interior, electrical and power system, and maintenance systems.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated in March that the entire program would cost about $3.2 billion from the 2010 through 2020 fiscal years, including $2 billion for research and development.

Trump cited different numbers without providing any evidence. The military has not yet awarded a contract to actually assemble the planes.

"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!" he tweeted Tuesday morning.

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016

Shortly after his tweet, he told reporters at Trump Tower: "“The plane is totally out of control. It’s going to be over $4 billion for Air Force One program and I think it’s ridiculous. I think Boeing is doing a little bit of a number. We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money.”

RELEASE: #Boeing statement on #AirForceOne: https://t.co/U4UcrTv1M8

— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) December 6, 2016

Boeing said in a statement that its current deal for Air Force One development is worth $170 million.

"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," Boeing said.

An Air Force spokesman said the military was preparing a statement on Trump's exhortation and why it believes the replacements are necessary.

Boeing plans to replace the two aging 747-200 aircraft that serve as Air Force One with two new, modified 747-8 planes.