Updated

Updated · Wyoming Tribune · Jul 18

Trump Administration Subpoenas New York Times Journalists Over $400 Million Air Force One Report

Updated

Updated · Wyoming Tribune · Jul 18

Trump Administration Subpoenas New York Times Journalists Over $400 Million Air Force One Report

Q: What specific security risks prompted the unprecedented switch from the new Air Force One mid-trip?

The switch was driven by concern that the newer VC-25B “Bridge” lacked key defensive protections, especially the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures system used to defeat heat-seeking missile threats. Reporting and image analysis indicated the aircraft was missing at least some missile-warning and countermeasure equipment carried on the older Air Force One fleet, and it also appeared to have fewer communications antennas. Those gaps mattered more because the return flight came amid heightened regional tensions after the NATO trip to Turkey. According to the reporting cited, the Secret Service advised using the older aircraft out of caution because the newer jet’s rushed retrofit had not fully delivered the normal presidential security package. Senators later pointed to the same issue, warning that the compressed modification schedule may have skipped upgrades and created national-security risks. The broader concern was not just one isolated defect but that the temporary aircraft had been intentionally delivered with some complex modifications left out to meet a deadline. Analysts said that could make it more suitable for lower-risk or domestic missions than for travel in a more threatening environment. So the specific risk behind the unusual switch was the possibility that the new plane was more vulnerable to missile attack and other security threats than the older, fully equipped Air Force One.

3 articles · Updated · Wyoming Tribune · Jul 18

Friday’s subpoenas targeted several New York Times journalists after the paper reported alleged security concerns tied to the new Air Force One program.
The report centered on a donated $400 million plane from Qatar that Trump used before all security retrofits were completed, raising questions about risks to the president, staff and press pool.
Those concerns surfaced publicly after Trump switched back to an older Air Force One on his return from a NATO trip, with reports saying the Secret Service did not want to take chances.
New York Times lawyer David McCraw called the move an attempt to intimidate journalists, while Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden demanded answers from the Air Force on spending and security risks.