Donald Trump boards Air Force One using small stairs amid heightened security

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One using the smaller stairs with brisk, careful steps on Sunday, October 19, due to “increased security measures,” a White House official told Fox News.

Authorities heightened security after the Secret Service discovered a suspected sniper stand on Friday, October 17, near the Air Force One zone, which had a clear line of sight during departures and arrivals. However, no arrests have been made so far. 

Donald Trump uses small stairs amid heightened security during presidential travel

In a recent video shared on social media, Trump was seen boarding the presidential aircraft via a small rear staircase — a route typically reserved for high-risk or low-visibility situations.

According to Fox News, the Secret Service implemented the change to limit potential exposure during boarding. Trump exited his car near the plane and, without looking back or speaking, climbed the steps and entered the aircraft.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirms investigation into suspicious structure

FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the finding, saying, “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone.”

He added on social media, “USSS spotted a suspicious stand near the AF1 zone in Palm Beach. The FBI is investigating."

Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, told NBC News, “The US Secret Service is working closely with the FBI and our law enforcement partners in Palm Beach County. During advance security preparations prior to the Palm Beach arrival, which included the use of technology and comprehensive physical sweeps, our teams identified items of interest near Palm Beach International Airport.”

Eric Trump reacts to discovery near Palm Beach Airport

Eric Trump addressed the discovery on X, commending the Secret Service for its swift action.

“‘Hunting Stand’ for all the Whitetail on Southern BLVD, located directly across the street from Palm Beach International Airport, in the median of a major highway… directly facing the Air Force One stairs (200yds),” he wrote. 

Donald Trump has faced previous sniper threats

The recent discovery adds to a string of assassination attempts targeting Donald Trump. In July 2024, during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Pennsylvania, shots were fired at the stage where he was speaking. The Secret Service acted quickly, neutralizing the attacker and ensuring Trump was unharmed.

Two months later, on September 15, 59-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for allegedly attempting another sniper attack near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.