Qatar’s Prime Minister defends the potential transfer of a $400 million Boeing jet to the US as a transparent government transaction.
Qatar has responded to criticism surrounding its offer of a luxury Boeing jet to the United States, asserting that it is a standard government-to-government exchange. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani clarified in a CNN interview that the offer is part of normal diplomatic relations, not a personal favor.
The proposed $400 million Boeing 747-8 would be given to the Department of Defense to temporarily replace Air Force One while the US government awaits the delivery of new presidential jets from Boeing. The new jets have been delayed due to issues with the manufacturer.
Some Democratic lawmakers have accused former US President Donald Trump of exploiting his presidential position for personal benefit.
“This is a very clear exchange that’s happening between two governments… It has nothing to do with personnel,” Al-Thani told CNN. “I don’t see any controversy.”
Al-Thani also dismissed concerns from some Republicans about potential Qatari influence on the US administration.
”Qatar has always been there for the US when it’s needed,” he stated, highlighting counterterrorism cooperation. He also noted Qatar’s assistance with evacuations during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and its role in mediating hostage releases involving US citizens in Gaza.
Trump has said that the jet is a “gift from a Nation” to the US government, not to him personally, adding that “Only a FOOL would not accept this.”
The current White House fleet of Boeing 747-200 jets, in use since the early 1990s, has experienced ongoing technical problems. The contract for two new Air Force One planes based on the 747-8 has faced delays and increasing costs, pushing the delivery date from 2024 to potentially 2027 or 2028.
Al-Thani’s comments occurred while Trump was visiting Qatar as part of a Middle East tour. During the visit, the White House announced a $1.2 trillion economic exchange agreement between the two countries, including a major Boeing deal for up to 210 jets.
Confirmation of the jet gift was anticipated during Trump’s visit to Doha. However, Trump has left, and no official announcement has been made.
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