Nikki Haley, a former GOP presidential candidate, criticized President Trump on Tuesday for accepting a $400 million private jet from Qatar to temporarily replace Air Force One.
“Regardless of how luxurious the plane is, it sends a message that the presidency, and us, can be bought,” Haley remarked, referencing her time as the UN ambassador during Trump’s first term. She further stated on Social Media Platform X, “If this were Biden, we would be outraged.”
Trump, currently in the Middle East, has faced backlash from both Republicans and Democrats, including some of his loyal supporters. Nonetheless, he defended his decision, telling reporters it would be foolish to turn down such an opportunity.
“I could be a fool and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive plane,’ but I think it’s a wonderful gesture,” Trump explained.
Under the agreement, jets formerly used by the Qatari royal family will now be given to the US Department of Defense to replace an aging Air Force fleet. After leaving office, these new aircraft will be moved to Trump’s presidential library.
Haley, who previously served as South Carolina’s governor and chose not to run against Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination, joined other critics in questioning the implications of accepting such a gift and its links to Qatar’s relationship with Hamas.
“Accepting foreign gifts is never advisable. It compromises intelligence and national security,” she stated. “Especially when that country harbors terrorist organizations.”
Doug Hay, a Republican strategist formerly with the Republican National Committee, commented on how the GOP might react if a Democrat were in a similar situation.
“If Obama had done this during my time at the RNC, I know exactly what our statement would have been,” he tweeted.
