A new controversy surrounds Donald Trump. This time in relation to the ostentatious gift that the Qatari royal family intends to give him: a Boeing 747-800 to use as Air Force One, the American presidential plane. But it seems that the US president sees no problem with it, reports Efe. "I could be stupid and say, 'No, we don't want a free and expensive plane.' But I thought it was a great gesture," Trump declared during a press conference at the White House.
Trump said he is "disappointed" with Boeing because they are taking too long to manufacture a new Air Force One to replace the current one, which he considers outdated. He stated that the Qataris are aware of these delays and have been very "kind" with their offer.
When asked what he will do with the Qatari plane when his term ends, Trump stated that he will stop using it and will place it in his presidential library, the commemorative space that former presidents build when they leave the White House.
Trump also told an ABC News reporter that she should feel "ashamed" for asking about the ethical considerations that arise from accepting a luxurious Qatari plane for free.
Qatar's gift to Trump is expected to be announced this week during the president's trip to Middle East.
According to the American press, the plane is so luxurious that it is known as a "flying palace," and Trump saw it when it was parked in February at the West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.
The White House legal team and the Department of Justice concluded that it is legal for the Pentagon to accept the aircraft.
A group of Democratic senators, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, denounced on Monday in a statement that the gift represents "a clear conflict of interest" and "invites foreign influence" in the United States.
"The Constitution is clear: elected officials, like the president, cannot accept large gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress," they pointed out.
The price of a new Boeing 747-800 is around $400 million, and the one Trump would receive is about a decade old, according to The New York Times.