May 12, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump says it would be "stupid" not to accept free jet from Qatar

Sareen Habeshian

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One on May 12, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. President Trump is traveling to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his four-day Middle East visit and the first international trip of his second term. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) — President Trump boards Air Force One on May 12 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

President Trump on Monday dismissed criticism of his plan to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One, calling it "stupid" to turn down the gift.

Why it matters: Democrats decried the reported gift from the Qatari royal family of a luxury Boeing 747-8 — dubbed a "palace in the sky," but Trump shrugged off the blowback.

The news came ahead of Trump's Gulf trip scheduled this week.

What he's saying: "I think it's a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much," Trump told reporters Monday. "I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer."

He continued, "I mean, I could be a stupid person, say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'" adding, "I thought it was a great gesture."

Zoom in: Pressed on ethical concerns around accepting the gift, the president rebuked an ABC reporter, saying, "You should be embarrassed asking that question."

"They're giving us a free jet. I could say, 'No, no, no, don't give us. I want to pay you a billion or $400 million, or whatever it is.' Or I could say, 'Thank you very much,'" Trump said.

He noted the gift is not being made to him personally but rather to the Department of Defense.

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Trump says it would be "stupid" not to accept free jet from Qatar

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