Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks in observance of Structure Day at Center Tennessee State College (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S., September 17, 2024.
Seth Herald | Reuters
Former Vice President Mike Pence stated Sunday that President Donald Trump ought to flip down the present of a $400 million jet from the royal household of Qatar, citing nationwide safety issues.
“Qatar has an extended historical past of taking part in either side,” Pence stated in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “The very concept that we might settle for an Air Drive One from Qatar I believe is inconsistent with our safety, with our intelligence wants … I believe it is only a unhealthy thought, and my hope is the president will suppose higher of it.”
Trump’s plan to just accept the lavish Qatari jumbo jet, a Boeing 747-8, and convert it for use as Air Drive One has sparked fierce controversy over the legality, ethics and nationwide safety implications of what could be the most important international present ever acquired by the U.S. authorities.
Trump stated the airplane shall be formally given to the U.S. Division of Protection. As soon as Trump ends his second time period as president, the possession of the present is predicted to be transferred to the Trump presidential library basis. By doing so, the palatial jet would by no means be owned personally by Trump.
“There are profound points, the potential for intelligence gathering, the necessity to make sure the president of the US is protected and safe as he travels world wide,” Pence stated. “My hope is the president reconsiders it. I believe if Qatar desires to make a present to the US, they should take that $400 million and plow it into infrastructure on our army base.”
Trump beforehand stated any acceptance of the plane could be resulting from delays at U.S. producer Boeing.