Trump on the Qatari Jet: 'This Plane's Not for Me. This Goes to the United States Air Force' (May 16, 2025)

President Donald Trump told Fox News that the jet offered by Qatar is a gift to the country, not to him. “Now, this plane’s not for me. This goes to the United States Air Force for whoever is president,” Trump said in an interview with Bret Baier in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“I think he was insulted, actually. He made a gift to help somebody that has helped them. It was so nice as a gesture,” Trump said of Qatar’s leader [1].

The video above shows Trump’s interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project and FOX 5 DC [1][2].

”A 42-Year-Old Plane”

“We need a plane for a couple of years before we get the other ones, because Boeing is very late,” Trump said [1].

He said the current Air Force One planes are 42 years old, adding: “we shouldn’t have a 42-year-old plane. And you know what? There’s nothing unsafe about it.” [1]

“But I’m angry about them for the two planes. They should be able to knock ‘em off in no time,” Trump said of Boeing [1].

He said he asked Qatar’s leader what the plane would cost. “What would be the price? He said, there is no price,” Trump recalled [1].

“And at some point, it’ll be like Ronald Reagan. It’ll be decommissioned. It’s 11 years old,” he said [1].

“I’d rather pay a billion and get 10 fighter jets, instead of giving a billion when it’s not necessary,” Trump said [1].

”Closer Now to Them Than Ever Before”

Trump said the Gulf states had nearly drifted away. “They were being coaxed very strongly by China, ‘cause that solves China’s fuel problem forever,” he said [1].

“We’re closer now to them than ever before,” Trump said. “This is the energy capital of the world.” [1]

“They love us again. They were not feeling love at all. They were going to China. They’re not going to China anymore,” Trump said [1].

He recalled being asked to speak in Riyadh with no notice. “I wasn’t told I even had a speech to make. So I had to make a speech off the cuff. Do you think Biden could do that? I don’t think so.” [1]

Baier opened with family news: “First of all, congrats on becoming a grandfather for the 11th time.” Trump said his daughter Tiffany’s baby “is perfect,” adding: “I will let you know about it in 21 years.” [1]

“Those Are Major Nuclear Powers”

On the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Trump called it “a bigger success than I will ever be given credit for.” He added: “That—those are major nuclear powers.” [1]

He said they were close to the worst. “That’s the worst thing that can happen. And I think they were very close,” Trump said [1].

“I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace,” he said [1].

On Iran, Trump said: “There’s not plenty of time.” [1]

“Who Gave the Javelins?”

On Russia, Trump said: “I think Putin is tired of this whole thing.” [1]

“And who gave the Javelins? Do you remember who gave the Javelins?” Trump asked. “You did,” Baier replied [1].

“I think we will make a deal. We have to get together,” Trump said of Putin [1].

Of Ukraine’s leader, he said: “Look, I had a real rough session with Zelenskyy because I didn’t like what he said.” [1]

“I always felt there can’t be a meeting without me, because I don’t think a deal is going to get through,” Trump said. “With that being said, I think Steve Witkoff has done an incredible job.” [1]

“People Are Starving”

Trump said a Gulf leader asked him to help the Palestinians. “He said, they’re starving. And he meant it with his heart. They’re starving. So I have already started working on that,” Trump said [1].

“Now, we have one problem in the Middle East, Iran, and I will get that problem solved,” he said [1].

“It’s either going to be done nicely or it’s going to be done violently. And I—I really—99.9 percent want to do it nicely if we can,” Trump said [1].

By the Numbers

42 years: the age of the current Air Force One planes, per Trump [1].
11 years: the age of the Qatari 747, per Trump [1].
11th: grandchild for Trump, per Baier [1].
10: fighter jets Trump would rather buy with $1 billion, per Trump [1].

What Happened Next

The Air Force got the plane. “Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a gifted Boeing 747 from Qatar for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One, the Pentagon said Wednesday,” FOX 5 DC reported on May 21, 2025 [2].

The Pentagon said the plane was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” and that it would “work to ensure proper security measures” [2].

“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE,” Trump had posted during the trip [2].

For Trump’s last day in Abu Dhabi, see HYGO News’ page on May 16, 2025. For the record Boeing order in Qatar, see the page on May 14, 2025.