Donald Trump has defended the reported plan to simply accept a luxurious jet from the Qatari royal household to be used as Air Power One, describing it as a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE.” In his first public response to the controversy, the US president took to Reality Social on Sunday, accusing Democrats of being outraged over a clear and cost-saving association.“So the truth that the Protection Division is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 plane to switch the 40-year-old Air Power One, briefly, in a really public and clear transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the aircraft. Anyone can do this! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA,” Trump wrote.Stories first surfaced over the weekend, with ABC Information and The New York Occasions revealing that the Qatari authorities is in talks with the Pentagon about transferring a Boeing 747-8 to be briefly used as Air Power One. As per studies, the plan is for the jet to be handed over to Trump’s presidential library on the finish of his time period in January 2029, permitting him continued entry post-presidency.Whereas Qatari officers have denied that the plane is a private reward to Trump, describing it as an alternative as a attainable “government-to-government” switch, the deal has prompted a wave of authorized and moral scrutiny. Critics argue it violates the US Structure’s Emoluments Clause, which bars officers from accepting items from international states with out congressional approval.Ethics skilled Kathleen Clark stated the association was “outrageous,” accusing Trump of utilizing federal energy to complement himself. Democrats have been vocal of their opposition, with Senator Chris Murphy calling the transfer “wildly unlawful” and Consultant Kelly Morrison labelling it “corruption in plain sight.” Even Trump ally Laura Loomer voiced concern, warning that accepting such a reward from Qatar, a rustic with ties to teams like Hamas and Hezbollah, would stain the administration.The White Home, nonetheless, has reportedly ready a authorized defence, asserting the reward isn’t unconstitutional because the jet can be accepted by the Pentagon after which transferred to a basis, by no means to Trump personally. The administration maintains that there isn’t any alternate of favours, and subsequently no bribery concerned.Trump is predicted to announce the association throughout his journey to the Center East this week, which incorporates stops in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The jet, reportedly price round $400 million, is just like one Trump toured in February at Palm Seaside Worldwide Airport. Although over a decade outdated, it will likely be outfitted with safe communications and different upgrades earlier than getting into service.
