Trump issues “threat” to journalists aboard Air Force One amid tensions with Iran
When asked about the security risks of traveling as tensions with Iran rise, Trump responded that he lives under constant threat.
In an environment of maximum alert due to the breakdown of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump issued a disturbing warning to the reporters who accompanied him aboard Air Force One, assuring that they would also die if the Islamic Republic decided to attack the presidential aircraft.
The statement occurred during an improvised press conference after the president's departure from Türkiye, where he participated in the NATO summit. When questioned about the security risks derived from the recent US bombings against Iranian targets, Trump did not hesitate to underline the seriousness of the situation.
“I am number one on their list, before you,” the president stated frontally. "But if I leave, you leave too. So, maybe... maybe some of you want to change careers."
Distraction and diversion strategy
The tense exchange coincided with a surprising change in logistical plans. Trump left Ankara using the older Air Force One instead of the newer, luxurious model gifted by Qatar. It was reported that the Secret Service advised against using the Qatari aircraft, which lacks certain military modifications such as mid-flight refueling, due to the vulnerability in an area near the Iranian border. The classic model has a combat-proven defense system capable of blinding anti-aircraft missiles.
During the journey to England, journalists were ordered to keep their window blinds closed. In this regard, Trump suggested that the danger came from the “scoundrels around here.”
For its part, the White House justified the maneuver by arguing national security reasons. The director of communications, Steven Cheung, explained that given the constant threats against the president, the use of the old plane was part of a “distraction maneuver and diversion of attention” to protect the delegation from the country's enemies.
For their part, Iranian officials warned that they will respond to any military action and noted that there are no “red lines” to defend the country's interests. The growing confrontation has raised international concern about a possible worsening of the conflict and has caused volatility in energy markets due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade.