Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks in observance of Structure Day at Center Tennessee State College (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S., September 17, 2024. 

Seth Herald | Reuters

Former Vice President Mike Pence mentioned Sunday that President Donald Trump ought to flip down the present of a $400 million jet from the royal household of Qatar, citing nationwide safety issues.

“Qatar has an extended historical past of enjoying either side,” Pence mentioned in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “The very concept that we might settle for an Air Drive One from Qatar I believe is inconsistent with our safety, with our intelligence wants … I believe it is only a dangerous concept, and my hope is the president will suppose higher of it.”

Trump’s plan to just accept the lavish Qatari jumbo jet, a Boeing 747-8, and convert it for use as Air Drive One has sparked fierce controversy over the legality, ethics and nationwide safety implications of what can be the biggest overseas present ever obtained by the U.S. authorities.

Trump beforehand mentioned any acceptance of the plane can be as a consequence of delays at U.S. producer Boeing.

“There are profound points, the potential for intelligence gathering, the necessity to make sure the president of america is secure and safe as he travels around the globe,” Pence mentioned. “My hope is the president reconsiders it. I believe if Qatar needs to make a present to america, they should take that $400 million and plow it into infrastructure on our navy base.”

Specialists have warned that changing such a jet into Air Drive One may take years to finish and will price U.S. taxpayers a whole bunch of thousands and thousands of {dollars} over time, NBC beforehand reported.

Trump mentioned the airplane might be formally given to the U.S. Division of Protection. As soon as Trump ends his second time period as president, the possession of the present is predicted to be transferred to the Trump presidential library basis. By doing so, the palatial jet would by no means be owned personally by Trump.

“This extremely revered nation is donating the airplane to america Air Drive/ Protection Division, AND NOT TO ME,” Trump mentioned in a submit on Reality Social Sunday. “By so doing, they’re saving our nation, and the American Taxpayer, a whole bunch of thousands and thousands of {dollars}.”