The editorial board of the New York Post has criticized President Trump for accepting the Catarijet, which is intended to serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One from three decades ago.
“What’s going through President Trump’s mind?” the editorial questions, released late Monday. It adds that the optics are particularly poor, especially as Congress is enacting significant Medicaid cuts.
The Post suggests that it might be acceptable for Qatar to provide a temporary flight to the U.S. for fill-in purposes.
However, they express concern that the plan to donate the jet to Trump’s Presidential Library implies he would become a private owner.
In response, Trump defended his choice to accept the planes from Qatar’s royal family, remarking that it would be “silly” not to accept gifts from the Middle Eastern country.
The Post notes that Qatar has a reputation for attempting to buy influence.
“Team Trump insists that the president’s actions aim to benefit the nation, but given the foreign investments and potential conflicts of interest, along with the $400 million plane, it seems more about benefiting Trump personally,” the editorial asserts.
Both lawmakers and Trump’s allies from various political backgrounds have shown skepticism regarding the gift.
This publication is owned by billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who also owns The Wall Street Journal.
