The White House Press Pool was advised to keep the window shades on Air Force One closed while en route to the United States after taking off from Ankara, Turkey, at 8:43 pm local time. The reason for this is unclear, but it may be related to security concerns. The move has sparked speculation about the potential risks the president may face during his trip.
President Trump has made numerous statements about the threat he believes Iran poses. In a press conference after changing his travel plans, he told reporters that Iran is plotting to assassinate him. He also claimed that he is on every list of targets, and that he has been lucky so far.
The president made these comments in response to a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which he stated that Iran is still targeting him for assassination. He described the Iranians as "evil, sick people" and expressed his disdain for them.
Trump's comments about Iran have raised concerns about his safety, and the decision to reroute Air Force One may be a response to these concerns. However, the president has denied that the move is due to assassination concerns, saying that he is doing his job and will not be swayed by such threats.
Instead, Trump has said that he is sending the new Air Force One to Europe to give soldiers a chance to tour the aircraft. He described the plane as "truly magnificent" and said that it will visit multiple bases during its tour. The president and his entourage will travel to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom on the former Air Force One, a short trip that the president believes is worth taking to honor the military.
