Trump says he asked to ‘borrow’ Qatari jet to use as Air Force One

President Trump said he originally asked the emir of Qatar if he could borrow one of the country’s 747 jets to temporarily use as Air Force One before the leader offered to gift the jet to the United States.

“I called up the head of Qatar, a highly respected guy, great guy, young handsome guy,” Trump said, speaking at a rally in Bullhead City, Ariz.

“I said Tamim, if possible, on behalf of the United States of America, the Air Force, I’d love to be able to borrow or use your 747 as Air Force One for a little while while we wait for ours,” he continued, referring to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“He said ‘no, no, no, no, no, no. You’re my friend. I will allow you to borrow it or use it, I will allow you to, on behalf of the United States, have it. You may have it,” he said, receiving cheers and applause from rallygoers.

Trump went on to criticize the news media’s coverage of him accepting the gift, saying he was accepting it on behalf of the U.S.

“Remember Sam Snead, when they give you the putt, you say thank you. When they give you the airplane, you say thank you, we appreciate it,” Trump said, referring to the golfing legend.

The Qatari jet, which has been designated by the Air Force as VC-25B, will be used as a bridge aircraft between the Boeing 747-200s that have been in use for more than 20 years and the two new Boeing planes that are expected to be ready in 2028.

Trump unveiled the new jet over the summer.

It was at the center of controversy after Trump was secretly moved off the Qatari aircraft earlier this year over security concerns related to Iranian threats.