Trump Set to Use Qatari-Gifted Air Force One Next Week Despite Security Concerns: Report

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

President Donald Trump is expected to bring his new Air Force One back into action during a trip to Ireland next week — despite security concerns with the retrofitted Boeing 747 jet that once saw him secreted away in a catering truck due to reported threats from Iran.

The Washington Post reported Trump is planning to board the $400 million aircraft for his upcoming trip after the Qatari-gifted aircraft was scandalously sidelined as the president left the Nato Summit in July.

“We don’t comment on specific upgrades or modifications to Air Force One,” a senior administration official told WashPo in a statement when asked about Trump bringing the plane back into use.

“We maintain a consistent posture that ensures a safe, secure, and reliable capability for the President of the United States and routinely evolve the capability as required to maintain that posture.”

Security upgrades on the plane have yet to be scheduled, WashPo reported.

Trump raised eyebrows as he ditched the newer Air Force One upon leaving the summit in Ankara, Turkey, and used the older Air Force One to make his way home.

At the time, he claimed under questioning from The New York Times that the new plane was being sent to military bases so it could be shown to soldiers.

The explanation was greeted with skepticism and prompted intense criticism from those who didn’t believe the commander in chief.

It later emerged that the newer Air Force One had security flaws, making it unsafe for the president to fly on — reporting which reportedly enraged Trump, who pledged the plane was being taken out of service to be “maxed out.”

The story prompted even bigger bombshells, as the Trump Administration then subpoenaed reporters from The Times to find out who their sources were.

While the subpoenas were later withdrawn after massive backlash, but the new Air Force One continued to create headlines when the details of Trump’s plane switcheroo came to light.

Trump was ushered away by the Secret Service in the face of apparent Iranian assassination threats, and hidden in a catering truck at the Summit to be taken to a different plane with just a few trusted aides, including Natalie Harp.

The president left the White House Press Corps, staffers, and many Cabinet Members behind on the reportedly compromised Air Force One when he left them as what many critics called “sitting ducks.“

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