Secret Service urged Trump to depart Turkey on old Air Force One as a security precaution: Report
The switch came as officials questioned whether the Qatar-donated jet has the same missile defenses as the older presidential aircraft.
- On Wednesday, President Donald Trump departed Turkey aboard the older Air Force One instead of the newly refurbished Qatar-donated jet, following a Secret Service recommendation citing security concerns.
- Security officials confirmed the decision stemmed from differences in defensive capabilities, as the older Air Force One possesses missile-defeating systems the refurbished Boeing 747-8 lacks.
- Trump denied security concerns, claiming the move allowed military personnel to tour the plane, yet he later admitted he was "number one on Iran's kill list" due to perceived danger.
- Democratic senators demanded transparency, writing that the administration ignored security concerns to provide Trump with "a luxurious airplane for his personal enjoyment."
- Adapting the donated aircraft will cost less than $400 million, with the jet serving until shortly before the end of Trump's term before transferring to his presidential library.
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Trump's trip to Turkey and his departure from it took place while US attacks on Iran were escalating - On Wednesday afternoon, the US president had said that the new Air Force One would be at a British base for soldiers to admire.
He arrived on one plane and flew from Turkey on another.
Why did Donald Trump switch aircraft after leaving NATO summit in Turkey? Know the reason here
Donald Trump surprised many by returning from the NATO summit in Turkey aboard the older Air Force One instead of the newly acquired Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. Here's why the unexpected aircraft switch has sparked debate over presidential security and rising US-Iran tensions.
After the NATO summit Donald Trump causes irritation: Instead of using the new Air Force One, he chooses the old aircraft. Officially from nostalgia, but US media speculate about security concerns.
On the way back from the NATO summit, the US President did not initially use the Air Force One he had received from Qatar. Reason could be security concerns.
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