Trump campaign seeks military aircraft for ex-president after two assasination attempts
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump's campaign has requested military aircraft and vehicles to transport the former president during the final weeks of the 2024 presidential race.
The request follows concerns about potential threats to Trump's safety following two assassination attempts, including claims an ongoing plot by Iran to kill him, which has not been proved.
Trump campaign complains about lack of protection for former president
Donald Trump's campaign manager Susie Wiles expressed frustration with the Secret Service, citing a "lack of personnel" and stating it had affected the former president's campaign schedule.
The campaign also sought increased protection for Trump's private plane.
In emails sent to Secret Service acting director Ronald L Rowe Jr, Susie Wiles complained that the government was not providing an "extensive enough plan" to protect Trump.
"Lack of personnel for the GOP nominee had hindered his campaign schedule," Wiles wrote, according to the Washington Post.
Representative Michael Waltz (RFL) and other campaign officials requested that the Secret Service provide "military aircraft or additional protection for his private plane," as per a letter reviewed by the newspaper.
"The requests are extraordinary and unprecedented — no nominee in recent history has been ferried around in military planes ahead of an election," the publication stated.
Secret Service says Donald Trump is receiving highest level of protection
Donald Trump’s advisers became more concerned after receiving briefings indicating that Iran was still actively plotting to kill him, as noted in the emails and discussed by those familiar with the matter.
“Trump advisers have grown concerned about drones and missiles,” according to the people involved, as per the report.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi responded by stating that Trump is receiving “the highest levels of protection.”
He explained that assistance from the Department of Defense for the former president includes "explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and airlift transportation."
Secret Service unlikely to approve military plane for Donald Trump
In response to the campaign's concerns, Ronald Rowe wrote a letter stating that the government is assessing what can be provided.
However, a senior official mentioned that the request for military aircraft was unlikely to be approved based on current intelligence.
"We are doing everything we can do to take on the threats that are actionable and real," an official said.
The Secret Service has also implemented temporary flight restrictions over Trump's residence and while he travels.
Guglielmi added that the former president is receiving “the highest level of technical security assets,” which include unmanned aerial vehicles and counter unmanned aerial surveillance systems.
Despite this, officials noted that certain requests may be difficult to fulfill due to logistical constraints.
Former Republican administrator says Donald Trump's request for military plane is 'extraordinary'
Former US officials said they were unaware of any presidential nominee getting a military jet, as per the report.
One person who has served under multiple Republican administrations in senior roles, told the publication it would be “extraordinary” for the Secret Service to grant such a request, Raw Story noted.
Kamala Harris receives protection from the US Marines in her role as vice president and flies on Air Force Two, which is a military airplane.
Trump has already been traveling with additional planes and sometimes in a nondescript aircraft instead of his 757 jet with his name on the side after two apparent assassination attempts since July, according to the reports.
