Washington: In a heated exchange at the White House on Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized an NBC reporter over a question about the Pentagon’s decision to accept a Qatari Boeing 747 as a future Air Force One, calling the reporter “terrible” and “not smart enough” to do his job.
The exchange occurred during Trump’s joint appearance with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where discussions were expected to focus on US-South Africa relations. However, the topic shifted abruptly when a journalist questioned the decision to repurpose the Qatari jet for presidential use.
Trump Rages Over Jet Question, Slams NBC
“What are you talking about?… You need to get out of here,” Trump erupted, visibly angered. “You are a terrible reporter… not smart enough to be a reporter.”
Trump claimed the NBC reporter was attempting to derail the conversation from serious global concerns, including “violence and racist laws against white farmers in South Africa.” He turned his criticism toward NBC’s leadership, naming Brian Roberts, the CEO of NBC’s parent company, Comcast.
“Brian Roberts and the people that run that place, they ought to be investigated. They are a disgrace,” Trump said, refusing to entertain further questions from the network.
Jet Is a ‘Gift to the Nation,’ Not to Trump
Amid mounting curiosity over the high-profile aircraft handover, Trump clarified via Truth Social that the Boeing 747 was not a personal gift to him but a diplomatic contribution to the United States Air Force and Department of Defense.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defence, NOT TO ME!” he posted. “It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive.”
Pentagon Confirms Legality of Aircraft Transfer
As reported by CNN, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth had accepted the aircraft from the Qatari government. The aircraft will undergo extensive modifications for presidential use, including advanced security and communications systems.
“The transfer complies with all US laws and regulations,” said spokesperson Sean Parnell, adding that the Pentagon will ensure the aircraft is fully equipped to serve as a secure transport for the US President.
The value of the aircraft, according to The Hill, is approximately USD 400 million, part of a broader gesture of goodwill from Qatar, which reportedly includes $5.1 trillion in investments in the United States.
Ramaphosa Overshadowed
The tense encounter somewhat overshadowed South African President Ramaphosa’s visit, where trade ties and mutual concerns in global diplomacy were expected to take center stage. Trump used the platform to criticize media priorities, stating that the focus should be on international affairs rather than questioning military logistics.
As political tensions around media relations and foreign diplomacy remain high, the gifting of the jet has ignited fresh controversy, not only about presidential travel but also about the optics and implications of foreign gifts during a volatile election cycle.