Trump Justifies Accepting $400 Million Jet from Qatar: 'Only a Fool Would Say No'

In the background of media reports that Qatar gifted the United States a luxury Boeing 747-8 plane, the erstwhile President Donald Trump made it clear that it will be an interim Air Force One until newly commissioned aircraft are ready.

Trump said that taking the plane would save the U.S. hundreds of millions of dollars, money he claimed could be used to fund "Make America Great Again."

Defending the move, Trump highlighted the diplomatic value of the gesture as a symbol of appreciation from an old ally. He contended that it would be foolish to turn down such an offer.

He tweeted on his social media platform, Truth Social:
"The Boeing 747 is being gifted to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have been successfully defending for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One until our new planes—which are behind schedule—arrive."

He also rationalized the decision by referring to the cost-saving:
"Why should our troops, and citizens, spend hundreds of millions of dollars when we can take an airplane from somebody who wants to say thank you? This massive saving will rather be utilized in MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

According to The Hill, the value of the plane was estimated to be around $400 million. Trump once told a story about how it would be foolish to refuse the offer, saying that "only a stupid person" would refuse it.

Trump also directed criticism at Democrats for attacking the move in another posted message on the internet:
"So the Defense Department is receiving a 747, gratis, to serve as a temporary replacement for the 40-year-old Air Force One. But Crooked Democrats are outraged and want us to pay the premium. Anyone can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA."

In her own capacity, Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, on Monday confirmed that legal proceedings including the acceptance of the plane are already on course. She assured the public that the sale is going on within the provisions of the law.

"Any gift to this government is always given in full compliance with the law," she assured CNN.