During a tense Oval Office meeting on May 21, 2025, President Donald Trump had a heated exchange with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, centered around a controversial $400 million Boeing 747 jet gifted by Qatar to the U.S. Air Force. The meeting, intended to discuss bilateral relations, quickly escalated into a confrontation over foreign gifts, media scrutiny, and racial tensions.WSJ+3New York Post+3Financial Times+3
The controversy began when NBC News reporter Peter Alexander questioned President Trump about the acceptance of the Qatari jet, which is intended as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet. Trump responded angrily, labeling Alexander a “terrible reporter,” “idiot,” and “jerk,” and accused NBC of perpetuating “fake news.” He defended the jet as a legitimate gift to the U.S. government, emphasizing that it would be transferred to his presidential library, not personally retained. The Pentagon has confirmed the acceptance of the jet, which will undergo modifications to meet presidential transport standards, though the timeline and contract details remain classified .Financial Times+2New York Post+2The Daily Beast+2The Daily Beast+1New York Post+1Financial Times+1WSJ+1
President Ramaphosa attempted to lighten the mood by joking, “Wish I had a plane to give you,” referencing the Qatari gift. However, the meeting took a more serious turn when President Trump presented a dramatic multimedia display alleging violence against white South African farmers, including misleading video footage and inflammatory rhetoric from opposition politicians. Ramaphosa maintained composure, countering with a diplomatic approach and bringing symbolic gifts, including a book on South African golf courses. He also enlisted respected white South Africans to challenge the narrative of white persecution, emphasizing that violence affects all South Africans, not just white farmers .@EconomicTimes+1New York Post+1The Daily Beast+3The Washington Post+3The Guardian+3Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2
The incident underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions and President Trump’s confrontational style in international engagements. Critics argue that the acceptance of the Qatari jet raises ethical and national security concerns, with some lawmakers questioning the potential violation of the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. The exchange with President Ramaphosa highlights differing interpretations of racial dynamics and historical context between the two nations
