House Democrat Jim Himes (D-Conn.) has raised alarms about President Trump's new Air Force One, labeling it a potential security liability as questions swirl over the aircraft's safety measures.
In an interview on CNN's 'State of the Union' with Jake Tapper, Himes contrasted the actual presidential plane with what he called a 'Qatari version,' emphasizing the unique capabilities of the real Air Force One. 'The actual Air Force One, not the Qatari version, is really — it looks like a plane, but it's got some capabilities that you wouldn't believe,' Himes said.
He pointed specifically to in-air refueling as a critical feature, noting that it is essential for the president's aircraft in emergencies such as nuclear conflict or inaccessible airfields. 'In-air refueling is one of those remarkable, remarkable things that is really critical for the president's plane because if something happens, ranging from nuclear war to an airfield not being accessible or whatever, that plane needs to be refueled,' Himes explained.
Himes later stated plainly that 'it's a security risk for the president to be flying this thing around,' directly challenging the administration's assurances about the plane's safety.
The controversy stems from a New York Times report that the Secret Service advised President Trump against departing from a NATO Summit in Turkey on the newer, Qatari-gifted Air Force One. According to the Times, Trump instead used the older Air Force One due to concerns about a potential threat from Iran, opting for caution.
The White House pushed back on Thursday, with communications director Steven Cheung defending the retrofitted aircraft as 'state-of-the-art' and equipped with high-level security protocols. '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,' Cheung said in a statement.
Cheung added that the administration uses various tactics to address threats, including distraction and misdirection, given what he described as numerous enemies targeting Trump. '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 — including distraction and misdirection — to address those threats,' he said.
This incident echoes broader concerns about presidential security and has drawn comparisons to other high-profile issues, such as Trump's claims of being Iran's top target and the ongoing debate over his safety protocols. Meanwhile, the political landscape remains volatile, with events like Trump's failing peace board highlighting the administration's challenges.
The Hill has sought additional comment from the White House on Himes's remarks.
