Why did Donald Trump leave the Air Force One gift from Kuwait and return on the old plane?

US President Donald Trump returned to America from Turkey’s capital Ankara after attending the NATO summit, but this time many questions started being raised regarding his return. Trump did not return on the new Boeing 747-8 plane by which he had reached the conference. Instead he traveled by old Air Force One. This decision was taken at a time when military tension between America and Iran has once again increased.

According to The New York Times report, Trump stayed for some time at Britain’s RAF Mildenhall airbase. After this, he decided to return to America on the old Air Force One instead of the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar. The report claims that this change was made on the advice of the American Secret Service.

Why did Trump do this?

According to The New York Times, after the conflict between America and Iran resumed, the US Secret Service advised Trump to travel on the old Air Force One as a precaution. It has been said in the report that this decision was not taken due to any specific threat, but was taken as a precautionary measure keeping security in mind. Officials acknowledged that the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft received from Qatar are not yet equipped with all the advanced safety features that are present in the existing Air Force One fleet.

What did the White House say?

However, the White House completely rejected the idea that the new aircraft is weak in terms of security. White House communications director Steven Cheung said the new plane has “a high level of security protocols.” He said the administration “uses every available means, including the use of distraction and misdirection” to ensure the President’s security. According to Cheung, various strategies are adopted in matters related to the security of the President and changing the aircraft should not be seen as a reduction in security.

What did Donald Trump say?

Trump has rejected the talk of changing the plane due to security reasons. Speaking to reporters after leaving Britain, Trump said, “I am in danger all the time. I am number one on their list.” He also clarified that the decision to change the aircraft was not taken due to any specific security threat.

Why did Trump stay at RAF Mildenhall?

According to the report of The Independent, Trump said that the purpose of stopping at Britain’s RAF Mildenhall airbase was to show the new aircraft to the American military personnel stationed there. Later, Trump also shared pictures on social media of the soldiers who were standing around the plane. He described the aircraft as “brand new and fantastic” and said American soldiers were very excited to see it.

Why tension between America and Iran?

The situation between America and Iran deteriorated rapidly during Trump’s visit. America alleged that Iran attacked commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. After this, the US Army launched new attacks on many military bases of Iran. According to reports, more than 90 sites of Iran were targeted.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the purpose of these attacks was to weaken Iran’s ability to pose a threat to commercial ships and civilian sailors on international sea routes.

How did Iran respond?

In response to the American attacks, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting American military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Iranian state media claimed that the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and US military bases in Kuwait were attacked. After these incidents, sirens warning of missile attacks were sounded in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Kuwait’s army said its air defense system intercepted several missiles and drones in transit. The army also said that the explosions that were heard were part of the action to stop these attacks. Now tension continues between the two countries.