Surprising menu on the $1 billion presidential plane: Trump's food preferences draw attention

The refreshments served on the presidential plane used by US President Donald Trump and his delegation, who arrived in Turkey to attend the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara, have drawn public attention. The simple menu offered on the plane, which is stated to have reached a cost of approximately $1 billion, became one of the most talked-about details of the flight.

"AMERICAN CLASSICS" ON THE MENU

It was stated that the refreshments offered to the press members and the delegation during the approximately nine-hour flight to Ankara consisted of items reflecting Trump's fast-food preferences.

The menu shared by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley included mini burgers, hot dogs, two lollipop cakes, and coffee. It was not disclosed who the shared menu was served to.

MARKET VALUE OF THE MENU IS $40-50

Based on catering and fast-moving consumer goods prices in the US, it was stated that the market value of the menu in question is between approximately $40 and $50.

However, it was noted that due to additional costs such as military logistics, special porcelain serving equipment, disposable logo-branded materials, security procedures, and military kitchen operations, the actual service cost per person could exceed $100 and reach up to $150.

"VC-25B BRIDGE" PERFORMED ONE OF ITS FIRST OFFICIAL MISSIONS

It was reported that the temporary presidential plane, referred to as the "VC-25B Bridge," which Trump used on his first official trip on July 1, 2026, was converted from a Boeing 747-8 type aircraft transferred to the US by the Qatari government.

The total cost of the aircraft, which has a market value of approximately $400 million, is estimated to be between $900 million and $1 billion following modifications for security systems, encrypted communication infrastructure, missile defense equipment, and a military command center carried out by L3Harris.

COST DEBATE CONTINUES

While the White House and official authorities state that the conversion cost remained below $400 million, some members of Congress and independent military analysts argue that the total cost is higher than the official figures.

WILL BE USED UNTIL THE NEW AIR FORCE ONE IS DELIVERED

It was reported that the temporary presidential plane will serve until the two Boeing VC-25Bs prepared under the new generation Air Force One program are delivered.

It was stated that the first aircraft in the new presidential fleet, whose total budget is reported to have exceeded $5 billion due to delays and rising costs, is expected to enter service in 2027, and the second in 2028.

EXPECTED TO LAND IN ANKARA

It was stated that the plane carrying Trump and his delegation is expected to land at Ankara Airport around 14:00 local time in Turkey.

It was reported that with this flight, the US delegation, which will serve within the scope of the NATO Summit, carried out one of the first long-range operations of the temporary presidential plane.

News Source: 12punto