US President Donald Trump defended his decision to accept a luxury Boeing jet gifted by Qatar, saying it made practical sense given the aging state of the current US presidential aircraft. Amid criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, Trump argued that it would have been unwise to reject such a generous offer, especially when the US often provides assistance to other countries. He described the plane as a helpful and timely gesture, considering the current Air Force One fleet is decades old. The aircraft, worth around USD 400 million, is intended to serve temporarily as Air Force One, whereas newly ordered presidential planes are still delayed.
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 14, 2025
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump mentioned that the aircraft was given to the US Air Force and the Department of Defense, not for personal use. ”The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defence, NOT TO ME!” Trump stated. ”It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years.”
Trump says that the gift will save taxpayers money
Trump restated that rejecting such a generous offer would be foolish. ”Only a fool would not accept this gift on behalf of our country,” he mentioned. He argued that the savings from not buying a new aircraft could be rediverted to national development. ”This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The current Air Force One Fleet, which is now over 40 years old, continues to be in service amid delays in the new aircraft delivery. The gesture came from Qatar’s royal family. Trump underlined, ”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?”
The move has been slammed by the Democrats, with Trump calling them ”World Class Losers” for objecting to what he called a transparent and cost-saving deal. ”Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA,” he further added in a post later.
White House Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the legal formalities related to the gift are being finalised. ”Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” Leavitt stated to CNN, highlighting that the deal meets all federal norms.
