In a heated exchange at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at an NBC reporter for asking about a Qatari Boeing 747 jet recently accepted by the Pentagon, which is expected to serve as a temporary Air Force One.
During a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump dismissed the reporter’s inquiry, labeling him a “terrible reporter” and “not smart enough” to do his job. Visibly agitated, Trump accused the journalist of deflecting attention from what he described as more important issues, such as violence against white farmers in South Africa.
“What are you talking about? You need to get out of here,” Trump said, interrupting the reporter. “We’re talking about serious issues, and NBC is trying to change the subject… You’re a disgrace.”
Trump also took aim at NBC’s parent company, calling for an investigation into Comcast and its CEO Brian Roberts, saying, “They are so terrible in the way they run that network.”
Defending the Qatari jet, Trump clarified that the aircraft was not a personal gift but a donation to the U.S. government. “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force… It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years,” he wrote earlier on his social media platform Truth Social. “It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings… arrive.”
The aircraft, estimated to be worth $400 million, was reportedly offered by Qatar’s royal family. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the acceptance of the jet, noting that it will undergo extensive modifications to meet presidential transport standards and comply with all U.S. laws and regulations.
CNN reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved the transfer, which comes as the current fleet of new Air Force One aircraft faces significant delivery delays.
Despite Trump’s clarification, the reporter’s question seemed to strike a nerve, leading to a dramatic rebuke that overshadowed the diplomatic meeting and reignited debate over the former president’s handling of the press.
