Trump defends Qatar offer of free jet as temp Air Force One replacement, says deal 'transparent'

President Trump late Sunday lashed out at critics of a proposed deal in which Qatar will give the Trump White House a luxury jet to temporarily replace 40-year-old Air Force One, the aircraft on which U.S. presidents fly. 

The deal will reportedly allow Trump to keep the jet, reportedly worth $00 million, after a new Air Force One is built, as part of his presidential library.

Democrats and one of Trump's closest political advisers have criticized the offer, in part over the argument Congress must approve the deal.

"So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA" Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday.

After ABC News broke the story early Sunday, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, posted on X: "Trump must seek Congress’ consent to take this ... gift from Qatar."

"The Constitution is perfectly clear: no present 'of any kind whatever' from a foreign state without Congressional permission. A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift)."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told NewsNation in a statement on Sunday, “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s Administration is committed to full transparency.”

A statement from the Qatari government obtained by Politico reads: “The matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.

Unofficial Trump adviser and right-wing activist Laura Loomer posted on X: "I love President Trump.

I would take a bullet for him.

But, I have to call a spade a spade.

We cannot accept a $400 million “gift” from jihadists in suits.

The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members. 

"The same proxies that have worked with the Mexican cartels to get jihadists across our border.

This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true.

And I say that as someone who would take a bullet for Trump.

I’m so disappointed."