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

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.

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Post from BBC News on May 16, 2025

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