Trump says it would be “stupid” to reject the controversial plane gifted by Qatar

Washington, (EFE) – US President Donald Trump declared that it would be “stupid” to reject the Boeing 747-800 that the Qatari royal family intends to give him for use as Air Force One, the US presidential plane.

“I could be stupid and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive plane.’ But I thought it was a great gesture,” the Republican president declared during a press conference at the White House.

Trump said he is “disappointed” in Boeing because it is taking so long to manufacture a new Air Force One to replace the current one, which he considers outdated.

He affirmed that the Qataris are aware of these delays and have been very “gracious” with his offer.

Asked what he will do with the Qatari plane when his term ends, Trump stated that he will place it in his presidential library, the memorial 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 him about the ethical considerations that arise from accepting a luxury Qatari plane for free.

Qatar’s gift to Trump is expected to be announced this week during the US president’s trip to the Middle East.

According to the US press, the plane is so luxurious it is known as a “flying palace,” and Trump saw it when it was parked at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida in February.

Legal counsel for the White House and the Department of Justice concluded that it is legal for the Pentagon to accept the aircraft.

The price of a new Boeing 747-800 is around $400 million, and the one Trump would receive is nearly a decade old, according to The New York Times.