Donald Trump just announced what he’s calling the “most lethal aircraft ever built,” while throwing a warning at Russia, saying NATO wouldn’t be much of a threat without the U.S. backing it.
Speaking on Friday, Trump, who has hinted that the U.S. could leave NATO, declared, “NATO was gone until I came along.”He also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin knows the alliance isn’t as intimidating without American support.
“Without the United States, he wouldn’t be worried, but he is worried when the United States is involved,” Trump said. He also suggested past NATO generals agreed with him, adding, “If it wasn’t for Trump, you wouldn’t even have NATO because we were paying the costs of almost all of the countries.”
Trump made these bold remarks while introducing the F-47 fighter jet, a next-generation stealth aircraft set to be built by Boeing. The Pentagon says the plane will have cutting-edge technology to counter threats from China and other adversaries. Known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the aircraft will lead a fleet of AI-powered drones capable of slipping past enemy defenses.
Trump proudly announced that the jet would be called the F-47 a number that just happens to match his position as the 47th President of the United States.
“Nothing in the world comes close to it… it’s something the likes of which nobody has seen before,” he said.
The U.S. government is set to spend around $20 billion to develop the high-tech fighter, a price tag that’s already raising eyebrows given that the Pentagon is still struggling to roll out its previous advanced jet, the F-35, a project expected to cost taxpayers a staggering $1.7 trillion over its lifespan.
Despite the concerns, General David Alvin , chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, said the project will define “the next generation of modern aerial warfare.” Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hesketh reassured allies that the U.S. military isn’t going anywhere.
When asked about the possibility of war with China, Trump tried to downplay the risk but made it clear the U.S. is prepared: “We don’t want to have a potential war with China. But I can tell you if we did, we’re very well-equipped to handle it.”
Trump also made an interesting comment about Elon Musk, who he’s referred to as his “de-facto prime minister.” Trump said Musk would not be briefed on military matters involving China, pointing out that his businesses in the country could make him vulnerable to pressure.
“Elon has businesses in China,”Trump said. “And he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that.”
But that wasn’t the only surprising statement from Trump. He also suggested he’d be open to the U.S. becoming an ‘associate member’ of the British Commonwealth.
Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: “I love King Charles. Sounds good to me!”
This comes after reports that King Charles might extend a “secret offer” to Trump when he visits the UK. The Royal Family is said to be looking for ways to smooth over tensions between the U.S. and Canada after Trump repeatedly hinted that he might annex Canada.
Sir Keir Star merry recently confirmed that King Charles has invited Trump for a second state visit to the UK, adding fuel to the speculation that a Commonwealth deal could be on the table.
A source told the Daily Mail: “This is being discussed at the highest levels. It would be a wonderful move that would symbolise Britain’s close relationship with the U.S.”
According to the source, Trump has “great respect for the Royal Family” and might see the benefits of joining the Commonwealth.
Trump Unveils F-47: The ‘Most Lethal’ Fighter Jet Amid Bold Warning to Russia
