[By Guancha Observer Network, Lin Chenli] According to reports by the Cable News Network (CNN), the recent news that the Qatari royal family will gift President Trump a Boeing 747-8 aircraft valued at $400 million for use as "Air Force One" has sparked skepticism and criticism in U.S. public opinion. On May 14 local time, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed responded to this by saying that if the proposal is considered illegal by the United States, the gift of the aircraft will be canceled.

Mohammed stated during an interview with CNN that the act of gifting the aircraft was a "pure government-to-government transaction" rather than a personal gift to Trump. "This is a government-to-government transaction, unrelated to any individual, whether from the U.S. side or the Qatari side. It is a matter between defense ministries," he said.

"The possibility of transferring a Boeing 747-8 aircraft as 'Air Force One' between the two countries' defense departments is still under discussion, and the transaction is currently in the legal review stage. I don't understand why this matter has been made such a big deal out of, even viewed in a very strange way," Mohammed said.

Mohammed showed little concern about the related controversies surrounding the gift of the aircraft, stating that if it meets the needs of the U.S. and complies with legal regulations, Qatar will provide assistance.

"Our decision will not change. Ultimately, if the U.S. has a need and it is completely legal, and we have the ability to provide help and support, then we will not back down. Anything Qatar provides to the U.S. is done out of friendship and does not involve any exchange conditions," Mohammed emphasized.

On May 14 local time, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed gave an interview to CNN. CNN

He added that once the act is deemed "illegal," Qatar "certainly" will withdraw the offer. "We will not do anything illegal. If there are illegal acts, people have many ways to cover up such transactions so they are not publicly known. But this is an open and transparent communication between the two governments, and I believe there is no controversy in it," he said.

Mohammed also opposed the notion that Qatar was attempting to influence the U.S. through this action: "Why would we try to influence the U.S.? By reviewing the past 10 years of U.S.-Qatar relations, it can be seen that whenever the U.S. had a need, Qatar always extended a helping hand, whether it was in the war on terror, the Afghanistan evacuation operation, or the rescue of hostages from various countries."

"Qatar has always stepped forward to help and support the U.S. because we believe that this friendship needs to be mutually beneficial for both countries," Mohammed stressed.

According to earlier reports by U.S. media, Trump will receive one of the most valuable foreign gifts in history - a Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by the Qatari royal family, which will be modified into the presidential aircraft "Air Force One," whose delivery has been repeatedly delayed by Boeing.

However, according to insiders, this aircraft may be gifted to the Trump Presidential Library for his post-presidency use after his term ends. This has led to public skepticism regarding potential conflicts of interest and ethical issues, as well as violations of the law. Democrats quickly seized the opportunity to criticize Trump for "accepting bribes."

On the evening of the 11th local time, Trump confirmed the matter on the "Truth Social" website. He wrote, "In fact, the Department of Defense received a 747 aircraft as a gift free of charge to temporarily replace the 'Air Force One' that is 40 years old, and the transaction is very open and transparent, which has infuriated corrupt Democrats who insist that we pay a high price for this aircraft."

In response to criticism from all sides, when asked about the moral controversy caused by accepting the luxurious aircraft worth $400 million from Qatar at a press conference on the morning of the 12th local time, Trump looked displeased and angrily claimed that only "idiots" would refuse such a gift.

Trump harshly criticized relevant U.S. media as "fake news" and defended himself, saying that the gift from Qatar was given to the U.S. Department of Defense, not to him personally. He insisted that he would not use this aircraft after leaving office as president. Trump emphasized that this aircraft will be retired from military use and directly handed over to the presidential library eventually established for him. Trump also stated that Qatar's gift of the aircraft was a response to the protection provided by the U.S.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504483005102064178/

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