Trump’s gift: Why is Air Force One so important to the President?
May 16, 2025•16 min
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Episode description
Air Force One, sometimes referred to the 'flying Oval Office', is seen as a global symbol of American power.
It is for this reason, among others, that Donald Trump has come under fire for wanting to accept a Qatari Boeing 747-8 to replace the traditional presidential plane.
But why is everyone so exorcised by the prospects of this new plane? Kenneth T. Walsh is a former White House correspondent and author of Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes who has spent over 35 years covering and travelling with the president.
Kenneth joins Niall Paterson to discuss the significance of Air Force One, and memories from his trips on the plane.
Producers: Gabriel Radus, Natalie Ktena, Soila Apparicio
Editor: Philly Beaumont
It is for this reason, among others, that Donald Trump has come under fire for wanting to accept a Qatari Boeing 747-8 to replace the traditional presidential plane.
But why is everyone so exorcised by the prospects of this new plane? Kenneth T. Walsh is a former White House correspondent and author of Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes who has spent over 35 years covering and travelling with the president.
Kenneth joins Niall Paterson to discuss the significance of Air Force One, and memories from his trips on the plane.
Producers: Gabriel Radus, Natalie Ktena, Soila Apparicio
Editor: Philly Beaumont
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