US President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over the security features of his new Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar after he travelled back on an older presidential jet following a NATO summit this week.
Trump has expressed strong enthusiasm for the refurbished Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which made its first international journey by carrying him to Ankara. However, during his visit to TĂŒrkiye, Trump unexpectedly announced that the luxury aircraft would be sent ahead to a British airbase, saying the move would allow US troops to inspect the plane donated by Qatarâs royal family.
According to The New York Times, the new aircraft does not have some of the advanced security systems available on the older Air Force One, including anti-missile protection. US media reports also suggested that the Secret Service recommended using the older aircraft instead.
Speculation increased as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, with Iran sharing a border with TĂŒrkiye. Journalists travelling on the older aircraft from Ankara were also instructed to keep their window shades closed, a precaution typically associated with conflict zones.
Trump rejected suggestions that the aircraft change was related to security concerns. However, after returning to the new aircraft for his flight from the United Kingdom to Washington, he mentioned alleged Iranian assassination threats.
âYouâre probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with,â he said.
The White House defended the safety of the new aircraft, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating that âThe new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff.â
Cheung added that, as Trump has previously stated, there are numerous threats against the president and authorities are using all available measures to address them.
In another statement issued on Thursday, Cheung said those measures also involved âdistraction and misdirection,â apparently referring to the decision to switch aircraft.
