US President Donald Trump sharply rebuked a reporter during a White House meeting for asking about the Pentagon’s plan to convert a Qatari Boeing 747 into a future Air Force One. The fiery exchange left little room for debate, as Trump dismissed the journalist’s question with personal insults and accused the media of trying to distract from other pressing issues.
The Clash Over the Qatari Boeing 747
The confrontation unfolded at the White House during President Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. When a reporter pressed Trump on the Pentagon’s announcement about modifying a Qatari Boeing 747 as a temporary Air Force One, the President fired back with an unusually harsh tone.
“What are you talking about? You need to get out of here,” Trump said, clearly agitated. “What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They are giving the United States Air Force a jet, and it’s a great thing.” His response wasn’t just a brush-off — he openly questioned the reporter’s intelligence, calling him “not smart enough” to do his job and a “terrible reporter.”
The tension was palpable. Trump appeared to view the line of questioning as a distraction from his broader agenda during the high-profile meeting. The President claimed the media was trying to divert attention from serious matters, particularly the issues faced by white farmers in South Africa amid violence and what he termed “racist laws.”
Accusations Against NBC and Media Bias
Trump didn’t stop at the individual reporter. He leveled a broad critique against NBC, the network the journalist was representing, and its parent company’s CEO, Brian Roberts.
“You ought to go back to your studio at NBC, because Brian Roberts and the people that run that place, they ought to be investigated,” Trump declared. “They are so terrible in the way you run that network. And you are a disgrace. No more questions from you.”
This outburst underscores the ongoing friction between Trump and mainstream media outlets, which he has often accused of bias and unfair coverage. The tension between the White House and networks like NBC remains high, especially amid controversial policy decisions and the President’s outspoken style.
What’s the Deal with the Qatari Jet?
The Boeing 747 in question isn’t just any aircraft. It was gifted to the US Air Force by Qatar, a country the US has reportedly protected and supported for years. The jet is slated to serve as a temporary Air Force One until new, delayed Boeing planes are ready for presidential use.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the transfer complies with all relevant US laws and regulations. He emphasized that the Defense Department will ensure the jet is properly outfitted for presidential transport.
Trump himself took to Truth Social, his social media platform, to clarify the situation. “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” he wrote.
The President also highlighted Qatar’s additional contributions — “They also gave USD 5.1 trillion worth of investments in addition to the jet,” Trump said during the meeting. The figure, while striking, has not been independently verified and may reflect broader economic cooperation rather than direct investments.
Media Scrutiny and Political Theatre
This incident isn’t the first time Trump has clashed with reporters during public events. His quick, sometimes scathing responses to questions — especially those he views as critical or inconvenient — have become a hallmark of his presidency.
The fierce exchange here reveals a complex dynamic: the President’s desire to control the narrative versus the media’s role in asking tough questions. The Qatari jet story itself raises interesting questions about US foreign relations, military logistics, and presidential protocol, yet it became entangled in a larger battle over media credibility and political messaging.
Quick Facts: Trump’s Criticism and the Qatari Boeing 747
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Gift Origin | Qatar |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 747 |
| Use | Temporary Air Force One |
| Pentagon Confirmation | Transfer complies with US laws |
| Additional Investments Claimed | $5.1 trillion (claimed by Trump, unverified) |
| Date of Incident | May 21, 2025 |
| Reporter Targeted | NBC journalist |
Trump’s fiery remarks show no signs of cooling down the tension between him and the press. Meanwhile, the Qatari jet story, beyond the media storm, underscores the often surprising intersections of diplomacy, defense, and presidential symbolism. For now, the spotlight stays on the White House’s messaging — and on the reporters willing to push back.
