Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent spoke out in defense of the Trump administration’s choice to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar during a Sunday interview on CNN.
He compared the gesture to historical gifts, saying, “The French gave us the Statue of Liberty. The British gave us a decisive desk,” in response to queries from CNN’s Jake Tupper, adding uncertainty about whether prior conditions were set.
Bescent redirected the conversation to what he termed “more significant plane deals” tied to President Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East, highlighting Qatar Airways’ announcement to acquire 160 jets from Boeing. “I think this airplane trade is significantly more impactful than any other agreement, considering it’s the largest order in Boeing’s history,” he stated.
Earlier in the week, Trump had made a provocative comparison between a new Qatari aircraft and the Statue of Liberty, referencing the aging Air Force One fleet. In discussing historical gifts to the U.S., he pointed out Congress had permitted the Statue’s arrival back in 1877, which was nearly a decade before President Cleveland accepted it.
A user on Trump’s social media platform remarked, “Truth is, because it’s President Donald J. Trump that you’re spouting your stupidity! Airplanes aren’t President Trump!!! It’s a gift for America, and the DoD will get through it!”
There was also mention of the Resolute Desk, which was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880 and remains in the White House, used by various presidents since then, including Trump.
While Trump is facing scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic sides regarding security and ethical implications of the plane deal, it was emphasized that the price arranged would allow the aircraft to serve as the president’s official transport until two new Boeing jets were ready. Once Trump steps down, the jet is expected to be incorporated into his presidential library.
Trump has likened this arrangement to a deal made during former President Ronald Reagan’s tenure, noting how Reagan’s aircraft was ultimately removed and is now housed at the Reagan Library in California. “This is sent to the US Air Force for someone who is the president… they don’t want it, so it’s going to be repealed,” Trump told Fox News’ Brett Byer recently.
