Would you turn down a $400m plane?

Would you turn down a $400m plane?

What in the World · 2025-05-22

If so, President Trump thinks you’re a “stupid person“.

The royal family of Qatar wants to gift America a private jet. Critics say the gift is essentially a bribe to give Qatar influence with the U.S. And they’ve pointed out that, during his first term, President Trump accused Qatar of funding terror groups. On 21st April, it was formally announced that the US Defence Secretary had accepted the plane. BBC reporter, Nathalie Jimenez breaks it all down for us.

It also got us thinking, what are the rules surrounding gift giving to politicians in other countries around the world? We’ll hear from five BBC reporters about what the rules are like in the countries they report on.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworldEmail: [email protected]: +44 330 12 33 22 6Presenter: William Lee AdamsProducers: Emily Horler and Benita BardenVideo Journalist: Baldeep ChahalEditor: Julia Ross-Roy

What in the World

Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.

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  • Latest episode: 2025-06-17
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