Photo: Getty Images North America
President Donald Trump says it would be "stupid" not to accept the luxury jumbo jet being donated by the Qatari government amid questions over the legality and ethics of the administration receiving such a gift.
On Monday (May 12), Trump, who is set to embark on a four-day trip to the Middle East this week, confirmed that he planned to accept the free plane from Qatar, calling the donation a "very nice gesture" when asked if the country had asked for anything in exchange, per ABC News.
"I think it's a great gesture from Qatar. Appreciate it very much," Trump said. "I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.' But it was, I thought it was a great gesture."
"I think it was a gesture because of the fact that we help, have helped, and continue to, we will continue to all of those countries, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and others," he continued.
When questioned on how he would respond to people who view the luxury plane as a personal gift to him, Trump said the gesture was "a gift to the Department of Defense," and he doesn't plan to use the jet after leaving office. Sources familiar with the arrangement told ABC News that the plane, which has been dubbed a "flying palace," will be available for use as the new Air Force One during Trump's term. Ownership of the plane will reportedly be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation following his time in the White House.
The arrangement has raised questions about whether it's legal for Trump's administration or foundation to accept such a gift from a foreign power.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House is working on the "legal details" of the donation.
"The Qatari government has graciously offered to donate a plane to the Department of Defense, the legal details of that are still being worked out," Leavitt said in a statement. "But, of course, any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law. And we commit ourselves to the utmost transparency and we will continue to do that."
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