Trump, Pressed on Qatari Jet, Says Only ‘Stupid’ People Reject Gifts
President Trump has defended accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar for use as the new Air Force One, dismissing ethical concerns by suggesting that only a 'stupid' person would reject such a gift. He emphasized that the gift is intended for the U.S. Department of Defense and not for his personal use, and plans to have the plane decommissioned and eventually transferred to his presidential library. Despite the ethical questions raised, including potential violations of the emoluments clause, Trump asserted that the gesture was a sign of appreciation from Qatar, which benefits from U.S. military protection. Concerns were further heightened by the involvement of the White House counsel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has past lobbying ties to Qatar. Trump's remarks were also colored by his previous criticism of Qatar as a sponsor of terrorism, and his complaints about cost overruns with Boeing's contract for new presidential jets.
Context:
President Trump has defended accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar for use as the new Air Force One, dismissing ethical concerns by suggesting that only a 'stupid' person would reject such a gift. He emphasized that the gift is intended for the U.S. Department of Defense and not for his personal use, and plans to have the plane decommissioned and eventually transferred to his presidential library. Despite the ethical questions raised, including potential violations of the emoluments clause, Trump asserted that the gesture was a sign of appreciation from Qatar, which benefits from U.S. military protection. Concerns were further heightened by the involvement of the White House counsel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has past lobbying ties to Qatar. Trump's remarks were also colored by his previous criticism of Qatar as a sponsor of terrorism, and his complaints about cost overruns with Boeing's contract for new presidential jets.
Dive Deeper:
President Trump has faced criticism for accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, intended for use as a new Air Force One, arguing that rejecting such a gift would be foolish. He clarified that the plane would be a gift to the U.S. Department of Defense, not for personal use, and plans to decommission it for his presidential library after his term.
Ethical concerns have been raised about potential violations of the emoluments clause, which prevents foreign gifts to public officials, suggesting a possible conflict of interest given Trump's business dealings in Qatar, including a planned golf course.
Despite the gift not being finalized, senior U.S. officials, including the White House counsel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has lobbied for Qatar, have reportedly approved the arrangement, raising concerns about impartiality.
Trump's acceptance of the jet contrasts with his past stance, where he labeled Qatar a sponsor of terrorism and supported a Saudi-led blockade against the nation, which ended as he left office in 2021.
The president defended the gesture by likening it to accepting a free putt in golf, suggesting that it is wise to accept generous offers, while also criticizing Boeing for delays and cost overruns in the production of two new presidential jets.