Boeing responds to Trump: Air Force One deal is for $170M

by Rebecca Savransky - 12/06/16 11:58 AM ET

Boeing on Tuesday responded to President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism over the cost of a new Air Force One plane, saying the contract is actually for $170 million.

{mosads}Trump earlier Tuesday tweeted that the deal was for “more than $4 billion” as he called for the order to be cancelled.

“We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serves the unique requirements of the President of the United States,” Boeing said in a statement.

“We look forward to working with the US Air Force on subsequent phases of the program to deliver the best planes for the President at the best value for the American taxpayer.”

Boeing says it only has a $170MIL contract with the US Air Force— nothing about a $4BIL deal that Trump tweeted. pic.twitter.com/gsgaEnme07

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) December 6, 2016

Hours earlier, Trump called for the contract to be canceled.

“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.

Speaking to reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower on Tuesday morning, Trump said the plane is “totally out of control” and that costs are “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.”

The Pentagon announced in January that Boeing had won the contract to replace the current Air Force One planes. The initial contract was worth just $25.8 million, but the Air Force planned on spending as much as $1.65 billion on the project, according to Reuters.

Tags Donald Trump