Donald Trump’s Air Force One travel delay caused a stir at Joint Base Andrews after the presidential aircraft’s emergency slide was reportedly deployed on the runway
US President Donald Trump’s departure to the Republican Midterm Convention hit a snag when the emergency slide unexpectedly deployed from Air Force One. The controversial new aircraft was a gift to Trump from Qatar.
At approximately 2.20pm local time, the inflatable chute was spotted unfurled on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. Reports indicate the slide emerged from the right side of the aircraft, rather than the side customarily used by the president.
Trump was understood to be waiting in Marine One nearby at the time. When questioned about the incident, the Republican leader informed reporters that crew members were conducting “checks” on the plane.
“They were doing a check on the slide. I think it takes 15 minutes,” Trump said. “They wanted to make sure it’s going to work perfectly.”
When pressed further with the query, “Are you sure the plane is safe to fly?” the 80-year-old president responded, “Yeah. I am.. or I wouldn’t be on it.”
Images captured at the scene depicted the aircraft stationary on the runway, prompting widespread speculation about the cause, reports the Mirror. Following an extended exchange with journalists, Trump climbed aboard while cameras continued filming.
This incident follows revelations just weeks earlier that the president had switched aircraft using a catering van in response to an alleged threat from Iran.
The politician reportedly deployed the presidential Boeing as a decoy, travelling on an alternative aircraft when departing the NATO summit in August.
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