President Donald Trump said he is not flying home on the new Air Force One from Turkey because the aircraft is being sent to the United Kingdom so U.S. troops can tour it. Trump dismissed speculation that security concerns, possibly related to threats from Iran, were the reason for the switch.
"It's flying to Europe, to one of the big bases," Trump said in a news conference. "Two or three of the big bases where we can show it to the people. And we'll be going home by normal methods." He added that the aircraft would stop at "a couple of bases," including one specifically so "the soldiers can see it, because it's truly magnificent."
In a social media post, Trump elaborated that the new presidential aircraft is headed to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom. "To honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft — Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first," he wrote. He also stated that for "old time’s sake," they would be taking the former Air Force One back to Mildenhall.
Trump acknowledged during the news conference that Iran has identified him as a top target for assassination. "Well, I speak about it a lot because, you know, the life of a president is very dangerous," Trump said. "They're lovely people. I'm No. 1."
He has frequently discussed the dangers associated with leading the nation, noting the mortality rate for U.S. presidents. "You know what a race car driver is? One tenth of 1%," Trump said. "A bull rider – that looks pretty dangerous to me – it's one tenth of 1%."
Trump further commented on his position as a target, stating, "I really care about the threats or danger, because I’m doing my job." He humorously added, "I like being No. 1 on TikTok better, but I’m No. 1 on the list for killing."