By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-asked-about-qatars-gift-of-luxury-747-trump-says-we-give-free-things-out-well-take-one-too Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Asked about Qatar’s gift of luxury 747, Trump says ‘We give free things out, we’ll take one, too’ Politics May 12, 2025 11:32 AM EDT President Donald Trump on Monday defended Qatar’s gift of a plane as a “gesture of good faith.” Watch in our video player above. Trump said during a news conference that the leadership of Qatar knew that Boeing has encountered delays building the next generation of the Air Force One aircraft and wanted to help by giving a plane to the U.S. government. “I could be a stupid person and say we don’t want a free plane,” he said, but that the gift from Qatar “helps us out” because the models he currently flies on are decades old. READ MORE: Trump considering buying used planes to serve as Air Force One amid Boeing delays “This was just a gesture of good faith,” Trump said. News of the $400 million gift prompted criticism from some Democrats and Trump allies. Trump said the plane would ultimately be decommissioned and go to his future presidential library. He said he would not fly on it after he leaves office. Support PBS News Hour Your donation makes a difference in these uncertain times. Give Now By — Associated Press Associated Press
President Donald Trump on Monday defended Qatar’s gift of a plane as a “gesture of good faith.” Watch in our video player above. Trump said during a news conference that the leadership of Qatar knew that Boeing has encountered delays building the next generation of the Air Force One aircraft and wanted to help by giving a plane to the U.S. government. “I could be a stupid person and say we don’t want a free plane,” he said, but that the gift from Qatar “helps us out” because the models he currently flies on are decades old. READ MORE: Trump considering buying used planes to serve as Air Force One amid Boeing delays “This was just a gesture of good faith,” Trump said. News of the $400 million gift prompted criticism from some Democrats and Trump allies. Trump said the plane would ultimately be decommissioned and go to his future presidential library. He said he would not fly on it after he leaves office. Support PBS News Hour Your donation makes a difference in these uncertain times. Give Now