Is Trump's free plane a gift too far for Republicans?

May 14, 2025

Donald Trump's recent tour in the Gulf raises eyebrows with his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and lifting sanctions on Syria. The debate ignites over Qatar gifting him a luxury jet, prompting mixed reactions from his supporters. The discussion dives into Trump's view on peace through economic development in the Middle East, alongside his controversial foray into cryptocurrency fundraising. The hosts also explore the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, questioning its implications for global engagement.

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INSIGHT

Controversy Over Qatar Gift

Some Republican supporters criticize Donald Trump's friendly ties with Qatar due to concerns over its alleged links with Hamas.
This controversy around the Qatari plane gift reveals divisions within Trump's base about Middle East relationships.

INSIGHT

Trump's Middle East Economic Vision

Trump focuses on building strong, personal friendships with Gulf leaders, distinct from recent US approaches.
He believes economic development will end violence and unite the Middle East, rather than past military interventions.

INSIGHT

Trump Defends Qatar Plane Gift

Trump defends accepting the Qatari luxury plane as a gift to the US Department of Defense.
He argues accepting gifts is common and justified when the US gives to others.

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It’s Donald Trump’s first major trip in his second term as president and he’s chosen to visit the Gulf in a four-day whirlwind tour.

He began in Saudi Arabia for a friendly meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Among other issues he agreed to lift sanctions on Syria and struck a number of trade deals, marking a big shift in relations between the two nations since Joe Biden’s presidency.

But the trip threatens to be overshadowed by the fallout from Qatar’s gift of a free luxury jumbo jet. The president has defended the gift and said he would be a “stupid person” to turn it down, which has prompted criticism from his supporters including the far-right influencer Laura Loomer.

Sarah and Anthony in Qatar join Justin to unpack a busy few days on the road, and discuss the new U.S. approach to the Middle East and what it means for the region, and the rest of the world.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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