After old Air Force One row, Democrat Jim Himes warns Trump over Qatar jet safety concerns

WASHINGTON, DC: Following President Donald Trump's departure from Ankara aboard the aging Air Force One after last week's NATO summit in Turkey, the new presidential aircraft has come under renewed scrutiny. 

Reports raised concerns over alleged technical problems in the new Qatar-gifted Air Force One and questioned whether it remains safe for the commander-in-chief's travel.

Now, a House Democrat has warned the President against the safety risk posed by the new Air Force One gifted by Qatar.

Rep Jim Himes argues new Air Force One poses security threat

Rep Jim Himes (D-Conn) called President Trump's new Air Force One "a security risk," as the plane faces controversy for its level of security.

"The actual Air Force One, not the Qatari version, … looks like a plane, but it's got some capabilities that you wouldn't believe," Himes told Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union."

"For one, in air refueling. 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," he continued.

Himes added later that "it's a security risk for the president to be flying this thing around," when discussing the plane.

Secret Service advised Trump not to use new Air Force One

The New York Times on Wednesday, July 8, reported that the Secret Service advised Trump not to leave a NATO Summit in Turkey on the newer Qatar-gifted Air Force One.

The outlet, citing sources, claimed that Trump chose the older Air Force One after caution for a potential threat from Iran.

The White House defended the newly retrofitted Air Force One as safe and secure, issuing subpoenas to journalists.

"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," Steven Cheung, White House communications director, said in a statement.

"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.

DOJ  subpoenas NYT journalists over Air Force One reporting

The Trump administration on Friday, July 10, issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists, compelling them to testify before a federal grand jury after the newspaper published reports detailing security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's new Qatari-donated Air Force One aircraft.

The subpoenas are a part of a DOJ investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information related to the presidential aircraft. The outlet condemned the move, describing it as a "brazen attack" on press freedom.

The reporters said that the Boeing 747-8 lacked some of the advanced defensive capabilities installed on the existing Air Force One fleet.