US President Donald Trump lashed out at an NBC reporter during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, after being questioned about the Pentagon’s acceptance of a Boeing 747 from Qatar, which is set to be converted into a temporary Air Force One.
The heated exchange took place during Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, shortly after Trump had shown him a video highlighting violence against white farmers in South Africa.
When the NBC reporter, believed to be Peter Alexander, asked about the Qatari jet, Trump erupted. “What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here,” Trump said.
“What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet. OK? And it’s a great thing. We’re talking about a lot of other things. It’s NBC trying to get off the subject of what you just saw,” he continued.
He then sharply criticized the reporter’s intelligence and NBC’s corporate leadership. “You are a real you know, you’re a terrible reporter. No. 1, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You’re not smart enough.
“Go back to your studio at NBC because Brian Roberts and the people that run that place they ought to be investigated. And you are a disgrace. No more questions from you.”
Trump later reiterated on Truth Social that the USD 400 million Boeing 747 was “NOT TO ME,” but a gift to the US Air Force. “It is a gift from a nation, Qatar It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings arrive.”
The Pentagon has confirmed the jet’s acceptance, despite concerns over legality, ethics, and foreign influence.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Department of Defense “will work to ensure proper security measures” are in place to prepare the aircraft for presidential use. “The plane was accepted by all federal rules and regulations,” he added.
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