WASHINGTON, May 13 — US President Donald Trump brushed off ethical concerns surrounding his acceptance of a US$400 million (RM1.7 billion) luxury aircraft from the Qatari royal family, calling it “stupid” to reject such a gift.
WASHINGTON, May 13 — US President Donald Trump brushed off ethical concerns surrounding his acceptance of a US$400 million (RM1.7 billion) luxury aircraft from the Qatari royal family, calling it “stupid” to reject such a gift.
The Boeing 747-8 jet, intended to be outfitted as Air Force One, would be among the most valuable gifts ever offered to the US government. The announcement drew swift backlash from Democrats and ethics advocates, who warned of potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence.
Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a Middle East trip, Trump defended the move, saying, “It’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much. I would never turn down that kind of offer.”
“I mean, I could be a stupid person saying, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive aeroplane,’” he added.
Trump stated the jet would eventually be donated to his presidential library and not used for personal purposes post-presidency. He also suggested the gift reflected Qatar’s appreciation for US defense support in the region, including to Saudi Arabia and the UAE — countries also on his travel itinerary.
Frustrated with Boeing’s delay in delivering new Air Force One planes ordered during his first term, Trump called the Qatar offer a practical solution.
However, critics argue the gift is both unethical and possibly unconstitutional. Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Chris Coons issued a joint statement warning the move poses a serious conflict of interest, national security risks, and invites undue foreign influence.
Representative Joe Courtney, the top Democrat on the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, said the controversy risks distracting from efforts to expedite delivery of the official Air Force One replacements.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said legal discussions around the aircraft’s donation to the Defense Department are ongoing, adding the administration isn’t concerned about potential expectations from Qatar in return. — Reuters
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