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Trump says Secret Service wanted him off Air Force One
apnews.com • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump revealed he was secretly transferred to a different plane after a NATO summit in Turkey due to a credible threat, which he said did not scare him, confirming a Washington Post report.
- The covert operation involved Trump hiding in a catering container to board another plane while Air Force One took off as a decoy, an unprecedented secrecy level for a presidential trip.
- Unlike previous secret presidential trips where the press pool was informed or had access, Trump was separated from his traveling party and the White House has not fully disclosed details of the incident.
- Experts highlight that maintaining transparency with the press pool is crucial for protecting the presidency and democracy, and the lack of information about Trump's whereabouts posed potential risks.
- Historical comparisons show presidents have made covert trips with press awareness or coverage, but Trump's secretive departure and continued secrecy mark a significant departure from established practices.
