Bangla Press Desk: President Donald Trump claimed that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, gifted a Boeing aircraft to the United States—an aircraft Trump had originally requested to borrow for use as ‘Air Force One.’ Trump shared this account while campaigning in the state of Arizona on Wednesday (October 14), according to a report by Anadolu Agency.
The U.S. President explained that he had initially asked the Qatari Emir if he could borrow a Boeing 747 for temporary use. Instead of lending the plane, however, the Emir offered to gift it to the United States.
Addressing a rally, Trump remarked, “When someone gives you a gift, it’s only natural to accept it, right? When someone gifts you a 747, there are really only two words you can say: ‘Thank you.’”
Trump noted that he made the request because the aircraft currently available for the U.S. President have become quite old. “We wanted to borrow it,” he said, “because our planes are 35 years old.”
He added, “I called the head of state of Qatar—he’s a very respected man, a great guy, young, handsome... and he has plenty of money.” Trump continued, “I said to him, ‘Tamim, if it’s possible, could I borrow your 747 for a while—on behalf of the United States and our Air Force? We could use it as Air Force One until our new planes arrive.’”
According to Trump, the Qatari Emir declined to lend the aircraft, offering instead to present it to the United States as a gift.
Recounting the exchange, Trump said, “He replied, ‘No, no, no, no, no, no! You’re my friend. I’m not going to let you borrow it. I want the United States to have it. It’s yours.’”
Trump confirmed that he accepted the aircraft on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Air Force has designated this aircraft—provided by Qatar—as the ‘VC-25B.’ Two new Boeing aircraft are scheduled to join the U.S. presidential fleet by 2028; until then, the United States will utilize the plane provided by Qatar.
BP/TD
