Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticised President Donald Trump’s plan to accept a $400m private jet gift from Qatar, saying such a gift from a foreign country always comes with expectations.
In a post on her X account on Tuesday, Clinton urged the Trump administration to “be serious” with its claims that the jet is donated for free in good faith.
“No one gives someone a $400m jet for free without expecting anything in return. Be serious,” Clinton wrote.
Trump had announced that the Boeing 747-8, offered by Qatar, will be used as a temporary Air Force One while the official plane is still being built. He said the gift is for the U.S. Air Force, not for him personally.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defence, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our country,” Trump added.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, aired on Thursday, Trump argued, “We’re the United States of America, and I believe we should have the most impressive plane. I get nothing. I get to fly it like any other president would.”
Despite criticism from lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties, Trump insists the jet will be used only temporarily and will be decommissioned once the new Air Force One is ready.
However, the gesture has left Americans demanding answers on what Qatar expects in return and what it means for U.S. security.
