During a press briefing at the White House on May 12, 2025, President Donald Trump had a contentious interaction with ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott regarding the U.S. administration’s decision to accept a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar. Scott inquired whether the jet might be viewed as a personal gift to Trump, leading to a strong reaction from the president.
“You’re ABC fake news, right?” Trump responded. “Let me tell you, you should be embarrassed asking that question. They’re giving us a free jet. I could say, ‘No, no, no, don’t give us. I want to pay you a billion, or 400 million, or whatever it is.’ Or I could say thank you very much.”
Scott attempted to ask a follow-up question, but Trump interrupted, stating, “It’s not a gift to me, it’s a gift to the Department of Defense. And you should know better, because you’ve been embarrassed enough, and so has your network. Your network is a disaster. ABC is a disaster.”
The exchange took place shortly before the Pentagon confirmed its formal acceptance of the Qatari jet, which is set to be used as Air Force One during Trump’s second term. The aircraft, formerly a part of Qatar’s Amiri Flight, features an extravagant interior designed by the French firm Cabinet Alberto Pinto. It includes private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, showers, office space, dining rooms, and lounges.
The decision to accept the aircraft has raised bipartisan concerns. Critics argue that accepting such a substantial gift from a foreign government could breach the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause and pose national security risks, including espionage threats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation to prevent taxpayer funding for retrofitting foreign aircraft and pledged to delay Justice Department confirmations until more details are disclosed.
Despite the opposition, Trump has defended the acceptance of the jet, calling it a generous offer from Qatar that could save American taxpayers money, especially given the delays in Boeing’s delivery of new Air Force One planes, now expected no earlier than 2029. He has also announced plans to donate the aircraft to his presidential library after his presidency.
The Department of Defense has assured that all federal regulations were adhered to and that the Air Force will oversee necessary modifications to ensure the aircraft meets all security requirements. The retrofitting process includes installing advanced security, communication, and defense systems, which may cost over $1 billion and take several years to complete.
As the aircraft undergoes transformation into a secure presidential transport, discussions continue about the ethical and security implications of this unconventional gift.
The move, first reported by various outlets and now confirmed by the Pentagon, coincided with Trump’s visit to Qatar — his first international trip of his second term. U.S. officials indicate the aircraft will undergo extensive upgrades to meet the rigorous security, defense, and communication standards required of a presidential aircraft.
Trump has publicly stated his intention to donate the jet to his presidential library after his term ends, though skepticism remains among critics in both parties. Lawmakers and legal analysts have raised concerns about the optics and legality of accepting a gift from a foreign government, particularly from a nation with which the U.S. maintains strategic ties. Some national security experts have also warned that the aircraft could pose surveillance risks, even post-retrofitting.
President Trump has argued that the Qatar jet offers a cost-effective alternative to Boeing’s delayed new Air Force One fleet. “Why should Americans wait and spend billions more when we have a world-class plane ready to go?” Trump said, defending the deal. “And I’m giving it back to the American people when I’m done.”
