NBC reporter slammed by President Donald Trump for asking about Qatari jet gift during meeting with South Africa president
President Donald Trump recently lashed out at an NBC reporter during a press event at the White House, where he was questioned about the Department of Defense accepting a jumbo jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One. The reporter in question asked Trump about the Pentagon’s decision to accept the Qatari jet, prompting a heated response from the president.
“What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here,” Trump retorted to the reporter from NBC, believed to be Peter Alexander. The question came right after Trump had directed his staff to show video footage of the treatment of white farmers in South Africa during a meeting with the African nation’s president. The Trump administration has been welcoming white Afrikaners from South Africa to the U.S. due to alleged racial discrimination in their home country.
Trump accused NBC News of trying to divert the conversation away from the issue of genocide in South Africa by bringing up the Qatari jet. He defended the acceptance of the jet, emphasizing that Qatar had also made a $5.1 trillion investment in addition to the aircraft. The president criticized the reporter, calling him a “terrible reporter” and questioning his intelligence.
The Department of Defense had formally accepted a 747 jetliner from Qatar, a move that has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Concerns have been raised over potential espionage issues and constitutional questions surrounding the gift.
The emoluments clause in the Constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign entities without congressional consent. However, legal experts have debated whether this clause applies to the president in this situation. If the jet is considered a government-to-government gift, it may not violate the emoluments clause.
Despite the controversy, Trump and his administration have defended the acceptance of the Qatari jet, which is intended to serve as a temporary Air Force One until a new fleet is delivered by Boeing. The president expressed disappointment in Boeing’s delays in building a new Air Force One, citing the age of the current aircraft.
The Qatari jet offer has sparked debate and scrutiny, with supporters and detractors closely monitoring the situation. Trump’s decision to accept the $400 million plane has raised serious concerns among some, highlighting the complexities and legal implications of such diplomatic gifts.
