Trump reveals why reporters were told to lower window shades on decoy flight amid Iran threat

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, August 11, addressed questions about the security precautions taken aboard a flight carrying White House reporters from Turkey to the United Kingdom last month, after reports revealed that he had secretly switched to a separate “secret” aircraft.

Trump was asked why reporters had been instructed to lower their window shades during the flight and whether the measure was linked to a potential threat from Iran. He said he faces threats regularly and acknowledged that he is a target.

Trump explains why reporters were told to lower window shades

During an exchange with reporters, Trump was asked whether he was aware of a security concern and why journalists had been instructed to keep their window shades closed.

Trump initially indicated he was not aware of the instruction before suggesting it could have been related to security concerns surrounding the flight. “Well, yeah, because you're, you know, probably dangerous, because of the sleeves bags that we have to deal with,” Trump said.

When asked whether he had been aware of a credible Iranian threat against his aircraft, Trump maintained that threats against him are frequent.  “Oh, I have a threat all the time. I'm number one on their list, before you. But if I go, you go, right? So perhaps, perhaps I may want to change professions. If I go, you go,” Trump said.

He also said he had not personally been instructed to close the window shades on the aircraft he was using, but indicated that he would have complied if asked. The comments came after reports detailed that the reporters were traveling on a different aircraft from Trump without being told about the change.

Trump secretly switched aircraft during Turkey departure

The Washington Post reported that Trump was secretly moved from the older Air Force One aircraft to a separate military jet during his departure from Turkey last month. The operation reportedly followed intelligence concerning a potential threat against the aircraft believed to be carrying the president.

White House reporters, staff members and other personnel remained aboard the older aircraft, which continued to the UK. The journalists were reportedly unaware that Trump had been moved to another plane until later. Trump subsequently rejoined the group in the UK before continuing the trip home.

The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Israeli intelligence had briefed the Trump administration about a possible threat involving shoulder-fired missiles targeting Air Force One. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among the senior officials reportedly aboard the older aircraft, though it remains unclear what additional precautions were taken for those who remained on board.

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer defended the reported operation, saying that if there was a credible threat, protecting the president would have required secrecy.

The reported operation also has historical precedent. During former President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to Pakistan, a decoy aircraft arrived before Clinton traveled separately on an unmarked plane.