CNN's Jake Tapper engaged in a pointed exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the $400 million aircraft gift that President Donald Trump's administration is set to receive from Qatar.
The conversation, which took place on CNN's Sunday program, revolved around the implications of accepting such a substantial gift without any apparent conditions.
Tapper expressed skepticism about the notion that Qatar would offer such a generous gift without expecting something in return. "You're a hard-nosed businessman," Tapper remarked to Bessent. "Even if Qatar isnt asking for anything in return now for the jet, I mean, thats a bill that could come due. Nobody in the Middle East or anywhere in the world just gives a $400 million jet just to be nice!"
As reported by Mediaite, Tapper's line of questioning highlighted concerns about potential future obligations tied to the gift.
In response, Bessent maintained that the situation might not be as complex as it seems. "I dont know, Jake," Bessent countered. "The French gave us the Statue of Liberty. The British gave us the Resolute Desk. Im not sure they asked for anything in advance." However, Tapper was quick to underscore a significant distinction between those historical gifts and the present one from Qatar.
He noted that the aircraft, unlike the Statue of Liberty or the Resolute Desk, is destined to become part of Trump's library foundation once he leaves office. "It belongs to the American people," Tapper asserted about the Statue of Liberty. "It doesnt belong to whoever was president at the time."
Bessent, however, insisted that the plane would ultimately serve as a gift to the American government. This exchange raises questions about the nature of international gifts and their implications for American governance and transparency.
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