President Trump clashed with an NBC reporter over a Qatari jet gift meant for the Air Force. During a press conference, he accused the reporter of diverting attention from issues in South Africa. Trump denounced the media as a disgrace and reaffirmed the legality of the aircraft’s acceptance by the Pentagon.
On Wednesday at a White House press conference, President Donald Trump confronted an NBC reporter regarding the recent acquisition of a Boeing 747 jet from Qatar, intended for use as a temporary Air Force One. This tense moment unfolded during Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid Trump’s earlier remarks highlighting violence against white farmers in South Africa.
When NBC reporter Peter Alexander inquired about the Qatari jet, Trump was visibly irked. “What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here,” he reacted sharply. He insisted the discussion should focus on the jet, emphasizing its importance as a gift to the U.S. Air Force rather than being sidetracked by what he deemed an irrelevant line of questioning.
Trump continued his tirade by disparaging the reporter’s capabilities and condemning NBC’s management. “You are a real you know, you’re a terrible reporter. No. 1, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You’re not smart enough,” he expressed indignantly. He suggested that the executive leadership at NBC should face scrutiny, calling the situation a disgrace and abruptly ending the exchange with the reporter.
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that the aircraft, valued at around $400 million, is indeed a gift from Qatar for the U.S. Air Force. “It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings arrive,” he clarified.
Despite some criticism regarding the legality and implications of this foreign gift, the Pentagon confirmed its acceptance of the jet. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the Department of Defense is committed to implementing proper security measures for the aircraft before it is operational. He affirmed that the acquisition adhered to all federal regulations.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between President Trump and media representatives, particularly those of NBC. The controversy surrounding the Qatari jet illustrates the broader implications of foreign gifts to the U.S. military, despite the Pentagon’s commitment to regulatory compliance. Trump’s defense of the acquisition, paired with his pointed criticisms of journalism, further fuels the discourse on media practices and presidential accountability.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
