President Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday after the aircraft was diverted to a United States base in the United Kingdom, raising questions about potential security concerns.
He described the flight from the Middle East as “dangerous” and suggested that Iran could have been plotting to target the plane.
When asked directly about any specific threat, the president declined to confirm details and added a light‑hearted comment, “If I go, you go.”
The jet that arrived in Ankara, Turkey, was scheduled to land at a U.S. base in the UK, after which a different Air Force One would depart for the United States, prompting speculation about the reason for the aircraft change.
Earlier in Turkey, the president repeatedly asserted that Iran had placed him at the top of a kill list, emphasizing the personal risk he faces.
He told reporters that the life of a president is “very dangerous” and that he is “number one” on hostile lists, noting that his luck may not last indefinitely.
Following the diversion, Trump boarded an older Air Force One while the newer aircraft remained at Mildenhall Air Base; the White House press pool was instructed to keep the plane’s window shades closed during the subsequent flight to the United States.
When reporters inquired why the plane change was made, the president said it allowed troops to see the new aircraft and denied any underlying security issue.
Pressed further about a possible threat, he responded that there was no reason to suspect one.
He referenced “sleeze bags” and suggested that a request to close windows would signal a threat, although no such request was made.
Concluding the briefing, the president reiterated his position on the Iranian list and added a humorous remark that reporters should follow his lead if he were to leave the plane.
