Despite the controversy over the 'inappropriate gift', the United States Department of Defense has taken possession of a luxury aircraft that Qatar offered for presidential use. President Donald Trump unleashed blatant criticism and personal attacks on journalists asking about the matter.
According to Bloomberg and the Associated Press on the 21st (local time), Spokesperson Sean Parnell of the Ministry of National Defense stated in a release that "the Minister of Defense received a Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," adding that "the Ministry of National Defense will strive to consider proper security measures and necessary functionalities for aircraft used to transport the U.S. President."
The U.S. Air Force plans to carry out modifications needed to use this aircraft as the President's private plane. Previously, President Trump decided to use a Boeing 747-8 aircraft, estimated to be worth about $400 million (approximately 550 billion won), as a gift received from the Qatari royal family during a recent visit to the Middle East.
President Trump claimed he received the aircraft from Qatar without any compensation, but criticisms that receiving such high-priced gifts from foreign governments is inappropriate have been raised not only by the Democrats but also by some factions within his own party, the Republicans.
As news of this broke, reporters posed related questions to President Trump during the Q&A session. Following a summit with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held at the White House that day, NBC News reporter Peter Alexander asked a related question, stating, "The Department of Defense announced it would use the aircraft received from Qatar as 'Air Force One.'"
In response, President Trump said, "What are you talking about? You should leave here," and asked, "What does (today's meeting) have to do with the Qatari aircraft?" He continued, "You are a really terrible journalist. You are not even qualified to be a journalist and are not smart."
Trump also told the reporter, "You are a disgrace," adding, "I will no longer take your questions. His name is Peter something, a really terrible journalist." When reporter Alexander protested Trump’s remarks, Trump repeatedly told him to "be quiet," blocking further questions.