Washington [US], May 13: US President Donald Trump has defended his acceptance of a luxury Boeing jet donated by the Qatari government amid questions about the ethics of the move from some US Democrats.
In a speech at the White House on May 12, before starting a four-day trip to the Middle East, US President Trump called the gift a generosity from Qatar , according to ABC News.
"I think it was a wonderful gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much. I would never turn down an offer like that," Trump said. "I think it would be a foolish person to say, 'No, we don't want a free plane, it's very expensive,'" Trump added.
The US president said the offer was made out of gratitude for US help in protecting countries in the region including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - all stops on his itinerary this week.
The US leader said he has no plans to use the plane after leaving office. President Trump said the plane was not a gift for him personally, but "a gift to the US Department of Defense ".
"The government of Qatar has graciously offered to donate an aircraft to the Department of Defense, the legal details of which are still being finalized," White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt Leavitt told Fox News.
"Any donations to the government are always made in accordance with the law. And we are committed to maximum transparency and we will continue to do so," Ms Leavitt added.
Earlier, many Democrats were criticizing Mr. Trump. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that accepting this aircraft was an unprecedented violation of American standards. Mr. Jack Reed, a Democratic senator on the Senate Armed Services Committee, also criticized Mr. Trump for considering accepting the aircraft.
The development occurred as President Trump departed for Saudi Arabia on May 12 for what he called a "historic" trip to the Middle East, combining urgent diplomatic activities on Gaza and Iran. He will then travel to Qatar and end his trip in the UAE on May 16, according to Reuters.
President Trump also said he could change his plans and fly to Istanbul (Türkiye) on May 15 if negotiations between Russia and Ukraine take place there and make progress.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
