In Qatar, I met with the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
There are so many things Qatar does to protect U.S. interests. They host our biggest military base in the region. They house 1000 Afghan refugees (that Trump refuses to let into the U.S.). They were key to getting the hostages out of Gaza. And they are mediators right now in the effort to end the war with Iran.
I thanked him for all of this. Qatar is and will remain an essential ally of the United States.
Of course, I was also candid with him, in particular regarding my deep concerns about the transfer of the luxury plane.
It was a very good, honest discussion.