US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended plans to receive a new luxury Boeing aircraft as a gift after media reported that he would receive an aircraft from Qatar’s royal family to replace the current Air Force One.
The Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet was described by the ABC News broadcaster in its scoop as a “flying palace,” saying it would possibly be the most costly present ever received by the US government.
Critics say acceptance of such a gift could violate strict rules on presents for US presidents and raise further questions regarding conflicts of interest with Trump’s family businesses and use of public office.
Trump plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Tuesday to Thursday.
What did Trump say?
In apparent confirmation of the reports, Trump said in a social media post late on Sunday, in which Qatar was not mentioned, that the plane was a temporary “gift” that would go to the Defense Department.
Trump wrote that the opposition Democratic Party was wrong in opposing such a present, as it meant Air Force One could be replaced “free of charge.”
“They insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” the US president wrote. “Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!”
What have critics said about the jet?
The reports have provoked criticism from both sides of the political aisle.
Laura Loomer, a far-right ally of Trump, said accepting the plane would be a “stain” on the administration.
“We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits,” she posted on X. “The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members.”
The Democratic National Committee said the move showed that Trump was using the presidential office for personal financial gain.
“While working families brace for higher costs and empty shelves, Trump is still focusing on enriching himself and his billionaire backers,” the DNC said in an email to supporters.
Individual Democratic lawmakers have also slammed the plan.
Senator Chris Murphy called it “wildly illegal,” while Representative Kelly Morrison said such a gift amounted to “corruption in plain sight” and an unethical, unconstitutional “bribe.”
Could the gift be illegal?
The US constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State.”
Sources told ABC, however, that the White House and Department of Justice claim the gift is legal and not a bribe because it is not given in exchange for any particular favor or action.
They also say the gift would not be unconstitutional because it will first be passed on to the US Air Force before being turned over to the presidential library, and thus never given to an individual oerson as a present.
Qatar has said reports describing the jet as a gift “are inaccurate.” (DW)