ALBAWABA- As U.S. President Donald Trump embarked today on a high-profile Middle East tour, including stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, controversy erupted over a luxury Boeing 747-8i reportedly gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari royal family.
During a press briefing in the White House’s Roosevelt Room, an ABC News reporter questioned whether the aircraft, formerly used by Qatar’s royals, was a personal gift to Trump. “What do you say to people who view that luxury jet as a personal gift to you? Why not leave it behind?” the reporter asked.
Trump responded sharply, calling the outlet “ABC Fake News” and dismissing the concern:
“They’re giving us a free jet. I could say no, no, no, don’t give us… I want to pay you $1 billion or $400 million, or I could say thank you very much,” he said. “The Qatari plane will go to the Trump Library, and I won’t use it after the presidency.”
According to ABC News sources, the aircraft will be made available for presidential use, possibly serving as an alternative to Air Force One during Trump’s term. Later, it may be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, raising concerns over potential personal benefit.
Trump defended the gesture, framing it as a token of appreciation from Gulf allies for America’s role in ensuring regional security. “What Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are offering the United States is a gesture of appreciation,” he stated.
The controversy comes as Trump begins his regional visit, with plans to meet leaders in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
He also hinted at a possible surprise trip to Turkey on Thursday to attend a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, their first face-to-face meeting since war broke out in April 2022. The move signals growing hopes for a potential ceasefire.
