Washington DC [US]: US President Donald Trump has defended the decision to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar’s royal family, stating that the plane will be used temporarily by the US government and represents significant taxpayer savings.
According to The Hill, the aircraft, valued at approximately USD 400 million, was gifted to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense by Qatar. The plane will reportedly serve as a temporary Air Force One until the new Boeing aircraft, which have faced delivery delays, are available.
Trump, addressing criticism from political opponents, emphasized that rejecting the gift would be irresponsible given the potential to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defence, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. 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,” he posted on Truth Social.
He argued that accepting the plane is both practical and patriotic, suggesting the saved funds would be redirected toward national development.
“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. This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a fool would not accept this gift on behalf of our country. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump added.
Trump had previously called criticism from Democrats over the gift politically motivated, saying:
“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a gift, free of charge, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, top dollar, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that legal procedures related to the acceptance of the aircraft are underway. She assured that the donation would comply fully with US laws.
“Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” Leavitt said, according to CNN.
The gifted aircraft, if approved, is expected to be used for official government purposes only and not for Trump’s personal use.