Qatar gives the US a luxury aircraft of as much as $ 400 million. Trump: ‘It’s Stupid to Refuse’
US President Donald Trump rejected the ethical concerns about his plan to accept the aircraft as a gift from Qatar’s royal family, saying on Monday to be « stupid » to refuse a generous offer.
A $ 400 million luxury aircraft, which would serve as presidential Air Force One, would be one of the most valuable gifts the US government has ever received. The news of the offer immediately caused the criticism of Democrats who warned that it was a conflict of interest and that the gift could influence the decisions of the President.
Trump said that the Boeing 747-8 aircraft would be donated to the Presidential Library, the saving of research materials of his administration, and that he did not plan to use it for personal purposes after leaving duties.
– I think it’s a great gesture of Qatar. I appreciate it very much. I would never decline such an offer. I mean, I could be stupid and say that we don’t want a free, very expensive aircraft – Trump said in the White House before going on a trip to the Middle East.
The Republican president considers an offer to be a sign of gratitude for US assistance in the defense of the countries in the region, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all cells on his trip planned for this week.
Trump added that his decision to accept the gift of a practical nature and that he was disappointed that it took Boeing so long to deliver new Air Force One aircraft he ordered during his first presidential term.
The spokeswoman for the Karolina Leavitt White House said that legal details about donation to the Ministry of Defense are still elaborated and that Trump’s administration is not worried about what the Cathers could ask for in return.
