Can the Trump Family Use Air Force One for Personal Travel?

Over the years, a clear rule has developed regarding the use of Air Force One for personal travel. If the president uses Air Force One for personal purposes, they must pay for the use of it, and any private transport received must be claimed on their personal income taxes.

Travel Rules for the President

While serving as president, they are never permitted to board any aircraft other than those provided by the United States Air Force or Marine Corps for security reasons. Air Force aircraft carrying the president are designated with the call sign 'Air Force One,' while Marine helicopters carrying the president are designated with 'Marine One.' These call signs are not assigned to specific aircraft but rather indicate the presence of the president on board.

Presidential Aircraft Usage

Presidents have the use of any military aircraft while serving in office. It is important to note that Air Force One is not an aircraft but a call sign designating an aircraft carrying the president. For example, during John F. Kennedy's unfortunate assassination, the aircraft he was on was designated as SAM 26000 because he was no longer the president.

Ex-Presidents and Air Force One

Ex-presidents are not permitted to use Air Force One at any time, as it is a call sign reserved exclusively for the current president when on a USAF aircraft. If an ex-president wishes to travel on an aircraft usually reserved for the president, the current president must invite them to do so. However, if the ex-president is on board a USAF aircraft without the current president, the aircraft would have a different callsign. This often leads to confusion, as many believe 'Air Force One' refers to the specific VC-25A Boeing 747-200 aircraft.

Understanding the Term 'Air Force One'

The term 'Air Force One' can sometimes be mistakenly associated with a specific aircraft. However, there are actually two VC-25A aircraft and many other types and sizes of 'Presidential' aircraft used to transport the president, the vice-president, and other high-ranking officials. The president may choose to land at airports that are inadequate for the VC-25A. For instance, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) often landed at the LBJ Ranch, using a much smaller aircraft than the Boeing 707-type VC-137C, the primary presidential aircraft of its time. This aircraft was also known as 'Air Force One' when LBJ was on board. Similar practices were followed by other presidents when major airfields or military bases were unavailable.

Conclusion

The use of Air Force One by the Trump family for personal travel is strictly forbidden due to the rules established by the U.S. government. Any violation of these rules would require the president to pay for the flight and report it on their personal income taxes. The term 'Air Force One' is not an aircraft but a call sign indicating the president's presence on board, and ex-presidents do not have access to this call sign or aircraft without an invitation from the current president.