But critics, both Democratic and Republican, question whether accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign government violates constitutional norms.
Trump Defends the Jet Deal
Trump addressed the controversy in a Truth Social post on May 12, saying:
“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One… so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay.
TOP DOLLAR, for the plane… The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
Despite the backlash, Trump’s unapologetic stance quickly escalated the Oval Office meeting into something far more combative.
