Trump Defends Qatar’s Jet Gift as Interim Air Force One

President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his plan to accept a from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One, saying it is a cost-effective gift to the U.S. government and calling critics of the move “fools” for questioning it.

Trump announced on Truth Social that the Department of Defense plans to accept the aircraft. Trump emphasized that the jet was not for his personal use, but a gift to the U.S. government meant to save taxpayer money while awaiting delayed Boeing replacements.

“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” Trump wrote. “It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive.”

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