Reference News Network reported on May 13 that according to a report by Agence France-Presse on May 12, US President Trump firmly defended his decision to accept a Boeing aircraft gifted by Qatar on May 12, insisting that it would be "foolish" to refuse such a gift, and he intended to use this aircraft as his new Air Force One.

Trump said, "This is a gesture of goodwill from Qatar. I am very grateful. I will not refuse such kindness. If I say 'no, we do not want an expensive aircraft like this,' then I would be foolish." He will stay in Qatar during his visit to the Gulf region this week.

The Royal Family of Qatar will present the United States with a Boeing 747-8 passenger aircraft, which experts estimate to be worth $400 million, and American media call it the "flying palace".

This gift raises potential conflicts of interest, as the US Constitution prohibits public officials from accepting "gifts from kings, princes or foreign countries."

Democratic senators recalled this constitutional rule, condemned the gift, and stated that it "creates an obvious conflict of interest, raises serious national security issues, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in our government."

In response to journalists' questions, Trump guaranteed that after his term ends, he will not use the aircraft for personal purposes. He told reporters, "You should feel ashamed for asking this question."

He then continued, "They are giving us an aircraft for free. I could say 'no, no, no, don't give it to us, I will pay $1 billion or $400 million, or something else.' I can also say 'thank you very much.'"

The US president guaranteed that at the end of his term, he would follow the example of one of his predecessors, Ronald Reagan, and donate this "Air Force One" to his future presidential library.

Trump and the White House believe that this aircraft may be a gift from Qatar to the US Department of Defense.

This could be the most expensive asset ever donated to the US government.

American government spokesperson Caroline Levitt guaranteed that Qatar does not seek special treatment in return because "they understand President Trump and know that he only acts in the best interests of the American people." (Translated by Lin Xiaoxuan)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503775312909337138/

Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.