In yet another moment that’s sure to spark debate, former President Donald Trump is defending a flashy move—accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari government.

While some are calling it a generous gesture, others, including his own supporters, are raising eyebrows over what it really means.

And when an ABC News reporter brought it up? Let’s just say, Trump wasn’t having it.

Tension Flares as Reporter Grills Trump on the Jet

During a press event on Monday, ABC’s Rachel Scott challenged Trump directly, asking why he would accept such a luxurious aircraft, especially given how it might be perceived by the public.

“What do you say to people who see this luxury jet as a personal gift to you? Why not just leave it behind?” she asked.

Trump fired back, accusing Scott of being part of the “fake news” media and suggesting she should be embarrassed by the question.

“They’re giving us a free jet,” he said.

“Should I say no, let me pay you a billion dollars? Or just say thank you?”

What’s the Deal With the Jet Anyway?

The plane in question isn’t just any aircraft.

It’s a top-of-the-line Boeing 747-8 with interiors decked out by French design house Alberto Pinto Cabinet.

We’re talking staterooms, suites, gold accents, plush carpets—the works.

Critics quickly pointed out the optics of the situation, wondering if Trump was getting too cozy with Qatar.

Even some in the MAGA base weren’t impressed.

But Trump had a metaphor ready, quoting golf legend Sam Snead: “When they give you a putt, you say thank you, pick up your ball, and walk to the next hole.”

Trump Doubles Down, Says It’s Not Personal

When Scott pressed harder, asking why a businessman-turned-president would accept such a costly gift, Trump insisted the jet wasn’t for him personally.

“It’s a gift to the Department of Defense,” he said.

He also couldn’t resist taking another shot at the media: “Your network is a disaster.

ABC is a disaster.”

Trump and Scott have a rocky history.

Their sparring began during a Black journalists’ forum in 2024, where she grilled him on past controversial statements about race.

Back then, too, he dismissed her question as “disgraceful” and called ABC “fake news.”

“It’s a Gesture of Good Faith,” Says Trump

As the criticism rolled in, Trump continued to justify accepting the jet, calling it a generous offering from Qatar, not a shady deal.

“They haven’t asked for anything in return,” he said.

He also took the opportunity to bash Boeing for delays in building a new Air Force One, noting the current aircraft is decades old.

“Some of these Arab countries have planes parked next to ours, and it looks like we’re flying a museum piece,” he joked.

What Happens to the Jet After Trump Leaves?

Trump made it clear: he won’t be using the plane for personal travel once he’s out of office.

Instead, he wants to decommission it and feature it in his presidential library, just like Reagan did.

And he claimed the cost of maintaining the existing Air Force One fleet is through the roof.

“You wouldn’t believe the maintenance costs—it’s insane,” he said.

So, What’s Next?

With the controversy brewing, all eyes are now on how the public, media, and political rivals react.

Whether people see it as a smart move or a shady gesture, Trump doesn’t seem too worried.

In classic fashion, he’s staying on the offensive, pushing back at critics, and doubling down on what he calls “a win for the Defense Department.”