From the New York Times, I'm Rachel Abrams, and this is The Daily.

President Donald Trump is in the Middle East on the first major international trip of his second term.

And at the same time, a firestorm has erupted over his plan to accept a $400 million luxury airplane from the Qatari government.

Today, my colleague Maggie Haberman explains why, to many people, this free plane is problematic.

And it's not just because of the precedent it sets,

but also what Qatar might expect in return.

Thank you. It's Wednesday, May 14.

Donald Trump is said to accept a very pricey gift from the royal family of Qatar,

taking delivery of a Boeing 747 that will be used as Air Force One during his second term.

President Trump says the U.S. government is poised to accept an airplane from Qatar valued

at nearly $400 million.

He's aspiring to accept a super luxury Boeing jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar.

The very lavish gift is raising substantial ethical and legal questions.

Maggie, I have been seeing all of these stories having to do something with a plane and President Trump and Qatar.

And can you just tell us what is going on?

Sure. So first of all, thanks for having me, Rachel. It's great to be here with you.

It is great to be here with you. What's going on here is that President Trump plans, and has been very clear that he plans, to accept a plane that he indicated is going to be donated by the Qataris for him to fly around on as a new Air Force One.

And this is a luxury plane worth about $400 million, decked out on the interiors, used by the royal family in Qatar.

And it has caused an enormous amount of outrage.

This is not just naked corruption.

It is also a grave national security threat.

Explain that outrage a little bit.

...