Trump's cheap shot at Hillary Clinton over fighter jets

President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at Hillary Clinton, suggesting she would never have been able to negotiate a deal he just signed for new military planes.

Mr Trump was in a cheery mood after announcing the contract, which he claims is "one of the biggest orders in the history of aviation", for production of more F-35 fighter jets for the US and its allies.

At the conference, he thanked manufacturer Lockheed Martin and its chief executive Marillyn Hewson for agreeing to the deal - and a price reduction of US$700 million (NZ$968m).

"Lockheed Martin has just announced 1800 new jobs and US plants are doing a great job and we started negotiating with them a little bit on the F-35," Mr Trump said.

"They cut their price a little bit. Thank you very much. [Ms Hewson's] tough, but it worked out well, I think, for everybody.

"I have to say this, Marillyn, you're getting a lot of credit because you're doing the right thing. We appreciate it. She cut her price over $700 million, by over $700 million."

Mr Trump then seized the opportunity to have a pop at his rival in the race for the White House, saying Mrs Clinton wouldn't have thought to have pushed for a price cut in the same way he did.

"Do you think Hillary would have asked for $700 million? Oh boy. I assume you wanted her to win, but you know what? You're going to do great and make more planes.

"It's going to work out the same or better."

Newshub.

Contact Newshub with your story tips:
news@newshub.co.nz