Donald Trump's departure for the Republican Midterm Convention was delayed when an emergency evacuation slide deployed from the door of the new Air Force One. Trump was aboard Marine One, a helicopter, which had landed, and he remained inside while the incident occurred with the presidential aircraft.
According to Trump, who spoke to reporters after finally disembarking the helicopter, the slide deployment was part of a check. "They were doing a check on the slide. I think it takes 15 minutes," he stated. "They wanted to make sure it's going to work perfectly."
The new aircraft, described as controversial, had its inflatable emergency slide unfurled from the front right-side door. This is opposite the usual left-hand door used for boarding. As the helicopter settled, the older blue-and-white Air Force One was moved into position behind the newer jet, and its steps were lowered. The White House had not immediately provided an explanation for the delay.
This incident follows previous concerns regarding the new Air Force One. In July, Trump reportedly abandoned the aircraft in Turkey on the advice of the Secret Service. At that time, he was said to have been transported off the plane in a catering truck and flown to England on a smaller aircraft.
