A CNN report on Monday seemed to contradict President Donald Trump's claim that Qatar reached out to the president and offered him an Air Force replacement as a “gift.”
Instead, it was the Trump administration who first contacted Qatar to buy the luxury Boeing 747, several sources, including senior White House officials, told CNN.
White House officials said Trump invited Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff to collect a list of available alternatives as Boeing delayed production of new Air Force aircraft.
Boeing then provided the Pentagon with a list of customers for a backup plane that could be used as a presidential plane – one of which was Qatar. Sources say the Pentagon is willing to buy luxurious giant jets and Qatar is interested in selling it.
An early negotiation revolved around leasing giant jets rather than buying, one person interviewed said.
The report does not delve into the “gift” quote.
Trump has repeatedly called it a “gift” from Qatar, and he advised him to contact him about donations. Even members of his own party, he opposed moral issues.
A New York Times report on Monday confirmed that the initial effort involved buying jets before Trump announced on social media on May 11 that Qatar would be bequeathing a “free gift”.
The Trump administration said an estimated $400 million worth of aircraft will be transferred to the Trump Library after its temporary service.
NPR reported that the plane was parked in San Antonio, Texas, and was waiting for an overhaul when the deal between the Air Force and Qatar passed.
