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Trump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threat
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom /Elections & Politics

Trump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threat

From BBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Former President Trump stated he switched planes after a NATO summit due to a potential threat, specifically mentioning Iran.
  • He claimed to be a top target for Iran and suggested the flight was dangerous, leading to the need for a decoy aircraft.
  • A press freedom advocate urged the Trump administration to ensure journalists' safety and inform them of credible threats.

Former President Donald Trump revealed he switched aircraft after a NATO summit due to concerns about a potential threat, which he specifically linked to Iran. Trump asserted that he is a primary target for Iran and that his life is under constant threat, describing himself as "number one" on Iran's "list."

Because you're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump explained the reason for potential danger on the flight.

During a flight, Trump spoke with reporters, noting the perceived danger. He suggested that the need to switch planes was a security measure against adversaries. The report details that while "Air Force One" is the call sign for any presidential aircraft, the specific plane Trump used on this occasion, a C-32A, operated under the call sign "Reach 18." Another aircraft, carrying journalists, continued to use "AF1" to maintain the ruse.

Trump later flew to the UK before returning to the U.S., where he re-boarded the original aircraft. The report notes it is unclear how he transferred back to the legacy jet. He then transferred to a new Air Force One, donated by Qatar, for his journey back to Washington. During this final flight, he discussed the threats posed by Iran with reporters but did not mention the earlier plane swap.

He said he had a "threat all the time" on his life, and that he is "number one" on Iran's "list".

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump described the constant threats he faces from Iran.

When questioned about why reporters were instructed to lower window shades on the plane from Turkey, Trump responded that they were likely on a "dangerous flight" due to the individuals they had to "deal with." He reiterated his belief that his life is constantly threatened.

The Trump administration "has a responsibility to ensure that journalists covering the president are not unnecessarily exposed to danger".

โ€” Jose ZamoraJose Zamora of the Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted the administration's duty to protect reporters.

Jose Zamora, regional director for the Americas for the Committee to Protect Journalists, issued a statement emphasizing the Trump administration's responsibility to protect journalists covering the president. Zamora stated that reporters should be informed of credible security threats to make informed decisions about their safety.

Reporters should be informed of credible security threats so they can make informed decisions about their safety.

โ€” Jose ZamoraZamora stressed the importance of informing journalists about security risks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.