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 behind this decision remains unclear, although it comes amid US forces executing strikes in Iran.
President Trump departed from Turkey on the old Air Force One jet, while the new plane is currently at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK. This development has sparked speculation about potential security concerns.
Earlier, President Trump told reporters that Iran is plotting to assassinate him, addressing questions about security concerns in a press conference. He also stated that Iran is targeting him for assassination, describing the Iranians as "evil, sick people."
President Trump's comments were made during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where he said he is on every list of Iranian targets and has been lucky so far. He also described Iran as "a bunch of scum."
The president announced that he would not be flying on Air Force One back to the United States this evening, instead opting for the old jet to visit Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK. He claimed the decision was made to give the military a chance to tour the new Air Force One.
During a press conference, President Trump appeared to deny that Air Force One is being rerouted due to potential assassination concerns. He stated that the life of a president is very dangerous and that he is doing his job better than anyone else.
When pressed further on why he isn't flying home on the new Air Force One, Trump said it is going to Europe to visit multiple bases, where soldiers can see the plane because it is truly magnificent.
