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Trump insults journalist during meeting with Ramaphosa: ‘You’re a jerk’

Tension at the White House: the president slams an Nbc reporter who asks about the Boeing donated by Qatar. Meanwhile, the Pentagon formalises its acceptance of the jet

During his official meeting at the White House with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Donald Trump lost his temper in front of reporters. The subject of the discussion was the violence in South Africa against white farmers, a topic on which the US president insisted, presenting pictures and documents.

But the atmosphere degenerated when an NBC reporter asked for clarification about the Boeing 747 donated by the emirs of Qatar, which is to become the new Air Force One. Trump reacted harshly: ‘We’re talking about people being killed and you’re asking questions about a plane. You’re a terrible reporter, you should be ashamed of yourself,’ he thundered, branding the journalist a “moron” and “idiot”. Words that surprised even the South African delegation present in the Oval Office.

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth formalised the acceptance of the aircraft by the Department of Defence. The Pentagon stressed that the operation was carried out ‘in compliance with all federal laws and regulations’, and that steps would be taken to bring the jet up to the standards required for presidential transport.

The Boeing in question, a former plane belonging to the Qatari royal family with an estimated value of $400 million, will require complex and costly modifications to become operational as Air Force One: there is talk of a long lead time and costs that could be close to $1 billion.

There is no shortage of controversy: several constitutionalists point out that the US Constitution prohibits officials from accepting gifts from foreign monarchs or governments. The White House rejects all accusations, calling it ‘stupid’ to pass up an opportunity like this.

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