President Donald Trump took time out during his Middle East trip Tuesday to make the case for accepting the gift of a luxury jet from the government of Qatar as the offer faces mounting criticism from members of his own party.

“Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law,” she added.

Experts said the idea made no financial or practical sense given that Boeing is already deep into a multiyear effort to convert two 747s to replace current Air Force One planes.