Qatar Plans $400 Million Air Force One Gift Amid Bipartisan Criticism

Saturday Night Live's season 50 finale cold open satirized President Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip, focusing on the controversy surrounding his desire to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar as a replacement for Air Force One. Portrayed by James Austin Johnson, Trump's character joked about receiving the plane as a "pre-bribe," with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, played by Emil Wakim, humorously implying a quid pro quo. The sketch highlighted concerns about ethics, legality, and national security risks tied to the gift, which Trump defended on his Truth Social account, emphasizing that the plane was intended for the Pentagon, not for him personally, consistent with constitutional restrictions on foreign gifts. The portrayal also mocked U.S. aviation issues, with Trump dismissing calls to fly an American plane due to problems with radar and air traffic control. The sketch closed with Trump addressing the audience, blending humor with political commentary on his omnipresence and the contentious nature of his presidency. These portrayals and real-world reactions underscore bipartisan skepticism about the ethics and implications of accepting such a foreign gift.