Former VP Mike Pence calls the $400 million Qatari jet gift ‘a bad idea’ that Trump should turn down

Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced concerns about President Donald Trump accepting a $400 million private jet gift from Qatar’s royal family, citing national security issues. Pence stated that Qatar’s history of playing both sides makes the acceptance of the jet inappropriate for U.S. security and intelligence needs. He urged Trump to reconsider the acceptance, suggesting that if Qatar wishes to make a gift, it should be invested in military base infrastructure. The plan to convert the jet into Air Force One has raised legal, ethical, and national security debates, with experts warning of potential costs and delays. Trump clarified that the jet would be donated to the Department of Defense and not personally owned by him.