Trump Critiques NBC Reporter Over Qatar Plane Question During Press Conference

President Trump scolded an NBC reporter questioning the Qatari jet gifted to the U.S. Air Force, expressing concerns about reported violence against South African farmers instead. He reiterated that the plane is a government asset and confirmed compliance with Pentagon regulations for its acceptance.

During a recent news conference at the White House, President Donald Trump had a contentious exchange with an NBC reporter regarding a Qatari Boeing 747 that the United States Air Force is set to convert into a temporary Air Force One. This event occurred in the backdrop of Trump’s discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which he presented a video depicting violence against white farmers in South Africa.

The interaction took a sharp turn when the NBC reporter, identified as Peter Alexander, asked about the aircraft provided by Qatar. President Trump, visibly irritated by the inquiry, responded, “What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here.” He then dismissed the relevance of the question, insisting that the focus should be on the significance of the jet donation.

Trump expressed frustration with NBC’s motives, suggesting the outlet was attempting to divert attention away from pressing global issues. “What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet. OK? And it’s a great thing,” Trump asserted. He accused Alexander of failing to grasp the importance of the topic and criticized both the reporter and NBC’s leadership, stating, “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.”

In a follow-up statement on Truth Social, Trump clarified that the USD 400 million Boeing 747 was not a personal gift but rather a contribution to the U.S. Air Force. “It is a gift from a nation, Qatar. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings arrive,” he wrote. This clarification came amid concerns regarding the legality and potential foreign influence related to the Pentagon’s acceptance of the aircraft.

The Pentagon has confirmed that the aircraft will be prepared for presidential usage, emphasizing that all appropriates rules and regulations were adhered to during the transaction. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell commented that the Department of Defense is committed to implementing the necessary security measures before the plane is utilized for official purposes. “The plane was accepted by all federal rules and regulations,” he assured the public, aiming to quell any apprehensions surrounding the deal.

In summary, President Trump confronted an NBC reporter over questions regarding a Qatari aircraft given to the U.S. Air Force, defending the acceptance of the jet amid discussion of international issues. He claimed the reporter’s question sought to distract from more significant concerns, specifically violence in South Africa. The Pentagon has stated that the process of acquiring the jet was compliant with federal guidelines, with assurances regarding security measures still being discussed.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in