Donald Trump continues to defend Qatar’s $400 million jet gift amid backlash and legal scrutiny.
President Donald Trump is doubling down on his decision to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, despite sharp criticism and legal concerns.
During an interview with Sean Hannity aboard Air Force One, Trump said he believes the U.S. deserves a more impressive aircraft.
He also said that accepting the Boeing 747-8 is a smart move for taxpayers.
Trump defends Qatar gifting US $400M jet amid backlash and legal concerns
President Trump insists accepting Qatar’s $400 million Boeing jet benefits the country and avoids taxpayer burden.
In an interview with Sean Hannity aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed the current Air Force One is outdated.
He said it lacks the grandeur of jets used by nations like Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
Trump pointed out that Air Force One is almost 40 years old. He said it appears “much less impressive” compared to the planes from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
“You know, we’re the United States of America. I believe that we should have the most impressive plane” Trump said.
“Now, some people say, ‘oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept the gift? We’re giving to everybody else? Why wouldn’t I accept the gift?” The president said to Hannity.
President Donald Trump has publicly defended accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar. He called it a smart and generous gesture.
During the interview, Trump explained to Sean Hannity that the jet is for national use. He emphasized it is not for personal enrichment or gain.
He argued the aircraft will serve the Department of Defense and eventually be displayed at his future presidential library.
Trump calls Qatar’s jet a gesture of gratitude for U.S military support
In a Truth Social post, Trump said Qatar’s gift honors the military for defending the region “for many years.”
He argued that taxpayers should not fund another costly jet when allies are willing to contribute to U.S. defense assets.
“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done,” he wrote.
The aircraft is intended for interim use until Boeing delivers the overdue replacements ordered during Trump’s first term.
The $3.9 billion Boeing deal included two customized 747s. However, production setbacks have forced the White House to seek alternatives.
Additionally, Trump also claimed it would be “stupid” to decline such a valuable aircraft offered free of charge.
He pointed out the U.S. often gives aid to others, so accepting this gift is fair and strategically reasonable.
“I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’ ” he told reporters. “I thought it was a great gesture.” He added.
Legal and political critics question the ethics of accepting a foreign gift of this magnitude
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have raised constitutional and ethical objections to accepting the \$400 million jet.
The U.S. Constitution prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
Critics warn that accepting such a gift could compromise diplomatic neutrality and raise national security concerns.
A White House official said Qatar will not hand over the aircraft during Trump’s upcoming visit to Doha.
Despite being criticized, Trump also defends the decision during his Middle East visit as critics press for a Senate review.
Trump began his second-term Middle East tour with a stop in Saudi Arabia before heading to Qatar and the UAE.
He maintains that the jet belongs to the government, not him, and will be decommissioned after his presidency ends.
The president again rejected concerns of personal benefit, reiterating the jet will be retired to his presidential museum. Still, Senate Democrats want a vote on the matter, citing transparency and national interest as key reasons for scrutiny.