Srinagar, May 13 -- "They're giving us a free jet," Trump said. "I could say, 'No, no, no, don't give us. I want to pay you a billion or $400 million, or whatever it is.' Or I could say, 'Thank you very much.' Only a stupid person would turn that down."

The Boeing 747-8, described as a top-of-the-line aircraft fit to serve as a replacement Air Force One, was reportedly offered by the Qatari royal family. ABC News first reported the arrangement, prompting immediate backlash from Democrats, watchdog groups, and even some Republicans, who warned the gift could violate the Constitution's emoluments clause and create troubling conflicts of interest.

Despite the uproar, Trump claimed the plane would be given to the Defense Department, not to ...