President Donald Trump had a heated exchange with NBC News reporter Peter Alexander during an Oval Office meeting on May 21, 2025, in which he called Alexander a “a terrible reporter” and referred to him as both an “idiot” and a “jerk.” The confrontation arose after Alexander questioned Trump about the Pentagon’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar’s royal family.

The exchange took place during a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump had just shown a controversial video he claimed demonstrated evidence of genocide against white farmers in South Africa. Alexander, NBC’s Chief White House Correspondent, attempted to shift the topic to questions about the Qatari Boeing 747-8 intended as a temporary Air Force One replacement, prompting Trump to cut him off.

“What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here,” Trump responded, his voice rising. “What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay? And it’s a great thing.”

Trump accused Alexander and NBC News of trying to divert attention from what he described as a genocide discussion. He further criticized Alexander’s qualifications, questioning his intelligence. Trump also suggested that Brian Roberts, CEO of NBC’s parent company Comcast, “ought to be investigated,” without providing specific reasons.

The $400 million aircraft is one of the most valuable gifts the U.S. government has received from a foreign nation. The luxury Boeing 747-8 is planned to serve as Trump’s presidential aircraft until he leaves office in 2029, after which ownership would transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.

The jet arrangement has faced criticism from various political groups, with concerns about potential constitutional violations. Representative Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, called the deal a “flying grift,” claiming it violates the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which bans federal officials from accepting foreign government gifts without congressional approval.

Aviation experts have noted that converting the 13-year-old Qatari aircraft for presidential use would require extensive security modifications, potentially costing up to $1 billion and taking several years to complete. The current Air Force One jets, from the George H.W. Bush era, include advanced defensive countermeasures, encrypted communications, and aerial refueling capabilities that must be replicated.

During the confrontation, Trump claimed Qatar was providing not only the jet but also $5.1 trillion in U.S. investments, though he provided no documentation. He dismissed Alexander’s aircraft question as inappropriate, given the serious nature of the genocide allegations presented to Ramaphosa.

“You are a real — you know, you’re a terrible reporter,” Trump said, pointing at Alexander. “Number one, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You’re not smart enough.” He suggested Alexander return to NBC’s studios, repeating his criticism of the network’s management.

Trump continued to criticize Alexander throughout the meeting, even after addressing other topics. He repeatedly called the reporter “this jerk” and remarked to Ramaphosa, “His name is Peter something. He’s a terrible reporter,” while gesturing toward Alexander.

The controversy over the Qatari jet has intensified, with CNN reporting that the Trump administration approached Qatar about the plane, contradicting Trump’s claim that it was an unsolicited gift. The administration insists that the transaction will be conducted legally between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The exchange with Alexander happened amid Trump’s broader confrontation with President Ramaphosa over genocide allegations against white farmers in South Africa. Trump had shown a video compilation including protest footage with white crosses, which he incorrectly called burial sites, and clips of political figures making inflammatory land redistribution statements.

Ramaphosa rejected Trump’s genocide claims, stating, “there is just no genocide in South Africa.” He noted the country faces challenges with violent crime, but the majority of victims are Black South Africans, not white farmers. Official police data shows a small percentage of 2024 murders in South Africa were linked to farming communities, with only eight victims being farmers.

The Trump administration has granted refugee status to 59 white South Africans, describing them as victims of “unjust racial discrimination.” This policy has faced criticism given Trump’s broader refugee admission restrictions from countries like Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Haiti.

The confrontation with Alexander underscores Trump’s ongoing conflict with major news networks. His administration has initiated Federal Communications Commission investigations into ABC and NBC regarding their diversity policies and has threatened media outlets with lawsuits over their coverage of the Qatari jet.

In a lighter moment, Ramaphosa tried to defuse the situation by jokingly apologizing to Trump for not having a plane to offer. “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” he said, drawing some laughter. Trump responded positively, saying, “I wish you did. If your country offered the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it.” This exchange highlighted Trump’s enthusiasm for the Qatari arrangement, which he defended as a “great gesture.”

The Boeing 747-8 in question has been in San Antonio, Texas, since early April, suggesting preliminary conversion work may be underway. However, security experts warn that retrofitting any foreign-owned aircraft for presidential use would require complete dismantling and rebuilding to eliminate surveillance equipment or security vulnerabilities.

The Pentagon confirmed its acceptance of the Qatari aircraft on May 21, 2025. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the Department of Defense would ensure that appropriate security protocols and operational requirements are in place for an aircraft designated to transport the president.

Legal experts continue to debate potential constitutional violations, with some arguing that the eventual transfer to Trump’s presidential library could be a personal benefit rather than a government-to-government transaction. The Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, a former Qatar lobbyist, reportedly concluded the arrangement is legally permissible.

Alexander, NBC’s Chief White House Correspondent since 2012, did not respond to Trump’s verbal attacks but continued pressing for answers about the jet arrangement. He has previously drawn Trump’s ire for asking pointed questions about administration policies and has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism in mainstream media coverage.