Trump says would be ‘stupid’ to reject Qatari Air Force One gift

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday furiously rejected ethics concerns over his plans to receive a jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One, saying it would be “stupid” not to accept such a gift.

“It´s a great gesture,” the 78-year-old billionaire told reporters at the White House when asked if the oil-rich Gulf state would expect anything in exchange. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person (and) say ´no we don´t want a free, very expensive airplane.´”

Qatar´s royal family has offered to donate a luxury 747-8 jumbo jet as Trump awaits the delayed delivery of two new presidential planes from Boeing. But the move raises huge constitutional and ethical questions -- as well as security concerns about using a plane donated by a foreign power for use as the ultra-sensitive Air Force One.

The US Constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State,” in a section known as the Emoluments Clause. Trump responded angrily when asked if he would use the jet in a personal capacity after he left the presidency.