Trump has said Boeing, $BA, is almost a lost cause

Trump Frustrated With Boeing Over Air Force One Delays, Hints at Alternatives

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Boeing on Wednesday, suggesting his administration may explore alternative options for the long-delayed Air Force One replacement jets.

"I'm not happy with Boeing," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "We gave that contract out a long time ago... We may do something else. We may go and buy a plane, or get a plane or something."

However, he ruled out Airbus as an alternative supplier.

Years Behind Schedule, Boeing Faces Mounting Pressure

Trump's comments mark the latest escalation in his administration's criticism of Boeing, which is now at least three years behind schedule in delivering the new presidential aircraft.

A White House official told Reuters on Tuesday that the Air Force One program could be delayed until 2029 or later, citing supply chain issues and shifting requirements. The official added that some suppliers went out of business, further complicating Boeing’s ability to meet its commitments.

Trump’s Longstanding Involvement in the Air Force One Deal

Trump has been deeply involved in the Air Force One procurement process since his 2016 presidential campaign, when he demanded cost reductions from Boeing.

He secured a commitment from then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg to cap the program's cost at $4 billion—a fixed-price contract finalized in 2018 that has since cost Boeing over $2 billion in overruns.

Boeing’s Next Steps

Boeing has not yet commented on Trump's latest remarks, but analysts suggest his renewed involvement could mean further challenges for the company.

According to reports, Boeing has sought assistance from Elon Musk to accelerate production and update the aircraft more efficiently. Whether this approach will satisfy the administration—or if Trump will push for a new procurement strategy—remains to be seen.