Q&A: A look at Trump's call to cancel new Air Force One

The New York businessman, who flies on his own Boeing plane, later told reporters the cost to the government was "ridiculous," though he appeared to be citing more than just the bare acquisition costs.

The Government Accountability Office, the government's auditing arm, in March of this year estimated total program costs at more than $3.2 billion, much of it for research and development, through the 2020 federal budget year.

The distinctive blue-and-white plane with the U.S. flag on its tail and the presidential seal on its belly is basically a flying office for the president, complete with sophisticated communications, military and other capabilities.

Safety of the president is paramount, and the government started the process to replace the aging aircraft with younger versions that incorporate updated capabilities and technological advances.

A medical suite can function as an operating room in an emergency, and a doctor is always on board.

The plane has quarters for those who regularly accompany the president on trips, including White House staff, Secret Service agents, traveling journalists and other guests.

Presidents have flown on Boeing aircraft for more than seven decades and the Chicago-based company is the only American maker of these types of planes.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama didn't scrap the project entirely, but ordered the military to restart it to bring the cost projections under control.