Washington: US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, accused an NBC reporter of asking unnecessary questions on Wednesday. The reporter had asked a question regarding the Pentagon’s recent announcement to modify a Qatari Boeing 747 to serve as a future Air Force One.
You do not have what it takes to be a reporter: Trump
President Trump criticised the reporter for diverting attention from significant issues such as the violence and racist laws against the farmers of South Africa. Additionally, Trump criticized the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and Brian Roberts, the CEO and chairperson of the parent company, calling them as a ‘disgrace’. He demanded an investigation into the performance of the company.
Trump questioned the reporter’s competence, stating, “What are you talking about? What are you talking about? You know. You need to get out of here. What does this have to do with Qatari Jet? They are giving the United States Air Force a jet, and it’s a great thing. We’re talking about a lot of other things, and this NBC is trying to get off the subject of what you just saw. You are a terrible reporter. Number one, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You are not smart enough,” .
The jet is ‘a gift from a nation’
“But for you to go on to a subject about a jet that was given to the United States Air Force, which is a very nice thing,” he said in defence of the Qatari gift. In addition to the plane, they donated USD 5.1 trillion in investments.
According to the CNN, Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defence, received a Boeing 747 from Qatar that, which will undergo extensive modifications to ensure security and efficiency. It is expected to be used by President Trump.
Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the acceptance of the aircraft, stating that the transfer adheres with all US laws and regulations and noted that the Defence Department will ensure the aircraft is properly equipped to serve in a presidential transport role.
In a social media post, Trump asserted that the jet “NOT TO ME!” but “a gift from a nation.”
The estimated value of the plane, is about USD 400 million and is gifted to the United States by the royal family of Qatar.
