President Donald Trump’s confirmation Sunday that the United States may accept a presidential aircraft gifted from Qatar marked the latest escalation in his clash with Boeing, which is years behind on its government contract to build the new Air Force One.

Trump has arrived at Qasr al Watan -- the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, located in Abu Dhabi -- where he was greeted with a colorful arrival ceremony.

Trump has dismissed criticism of his widely-reported plan to accept the 13-year-old airplane with a $400 million list price, saying it would be "stupid" to turn down the offer.