Scare Force One? Security questions swirl over Trump's new plane

Security questions are swirling around U.S. President Donald Trump's new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. Trump controversially used an older jet after a NATO summit, fueling speculation about the new aircraft's safety. The decision to fly the older plane from Turkey was abrupt, with Trump stating it was to allow U.S. troops to tour the luxury jet.

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You’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with.

The New York Times reported that the new plane lacked the same security countermeasures as the older jet, including anti-missile defenses. This report came amid heightened U.S. hostilities with Iran, which borders Turkey. Journalists on the older plane were also instructed to keep window blinds down, a measure typically reserved for war zones.

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The 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.

Trump denied any security concerns, but later alluded to alleged Iranian assassination attempts. "You’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with," he said. The White House defended the new plane's safety, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating it is a "state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols." Cheung added that the U.S. uses "every tool at our disposal to address those threats," including "distraction and misdirection."

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As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats.

Following The New York Times' report, several of its journalists received subpoenas from the Trump administration. The newspaper's top newsroom lawyer condemned the action, stating, "The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects."

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The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects.