The US president has claimed that the super-luxury Boeing 747-8is a "gift from a Nation" to the federal government

US President Donald Trump has defended a gift of a $400mn million luxury jet to the US from Qatar, describing it as a "valuable asset" for the country.

The luxury liner will be handed to the Department of Defense and replace Air Force One, while the US government awaits on a replacement for the presidential jet from Boeing, delivery of which has been set back years by the troubled plane maker.

Trump is set to receive the super-luxury Boeing 747-8, known as the "flying palace," from the Qatari royal family in what could become the most expensive gift ever given to the US by a foreign government.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump insisted that the jet "is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense." It is a "gift from a Nation" to the US government "NOT TO ME!," he wrote, claiming "only a FOOL" would turn it down.

Since the US had "successfully defended" Qatar for years, it should accept a free plane while "our new Boeings which are very late" remain grounded. Why should taxpayers foot the bill when a grateful ally was happy to reward America "for a job well done," Trump argued? The savings, "naturally, would go to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," he concluded.

His remarks followed a day of red-carpet treatment by Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his first major overseas tour as president.

Trumps decision to accept the jet drew criticism from allies and opponents. The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, Jamie Raskin, labeled the deal "a grift." Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said that the plane "poses significant espionage and surveillance problems."

Critics also point to the awkward optics, legal murkiness, and the steep cost of outfitting the aircraft with the secure communications and classified systems needed to make it a functioning airborne White House.

The US Air Force's contract with Boeing for two new Air Force One jets has been plagued by delays and soaring costs. Originally slated for delivery in 2024, the customized 747-8 aircraft are now expected to arrive as late as 2027 - or even 2028.

Shortly after his tour of the 747-8 plane Trump said he was "not happy with Boeing," noting the contract was awarded "a long time ago" and hinting he might have to "buy a plane or get a plane, or something" to bridge the gap.