Trump visits the American air base in Qatar in the middle of the intention to accept plane donation

President Trump went to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday after visiting the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military installation in the Middle East and considered “essential to regional security” by the Pentagon.

“I have nothing else to do,” Trump told the troops from a scene at the base, “so we amusing a little.” In an atmosphere similar to a rally, he spoke of the purchases of Qatar of American military supplies and told several of his favorite stories, including one on his trip to Iraq during his first mandate.

Trump is a four -day visit to the Gulf States which started on Monday in Saudi Arabia and focused on trade agreements and regional diplomacy, including a meeting on Wednesday with the new head of Syria. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, praised Mr. Trump, who in turn called his host a “Grand Gentleman” and a “friend to me”.

None of the two leaders mentioned, but Mr. Trump plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a donation from the royal family of Qatar to serve as Air One force. There have been reactions from Democrats and even some of Mr. Trump’s supporters to the proposal, which raises many legal and ethical questions. The president said it would be “stupid” not to accept the plane.

The American army has used Al Udeid since September 2001, when it positioned planes to target the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Two years later, Al Udeid became the main center for American air operations in the region.

American commanders used Al Udeid to coordinate a wide variety of missions during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as strikes against the Islamic State in Syria. The Air Force has deployed a wide variety of planes there, advanced fighters and long-range bombers to drones, transport aircraft and booming oil tankers.