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Trump Explains Emergency Slide on Air Force One
Confirmed
In Short: President Donald Trump clarified that an emergency slide deployment on Air Force One was part of a safety check, not an actual emergency.
President Donald Trump addressed reporters on Wednesday, explaining that the deployment of an emergency slide on Air Force One was part of a routine safety check. 'We were just making sure everything works perfectly,' Trump said, according to Fox News. The slide was deployed from the right side front door of the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747, opposite the entrance typically used by the president.
The unexpected deployment of the slide raised questions about whether it had disrupted the president's travel plans. As of 2:19 p.m., the door of Marine One remained closed, and the older white-and-blue Air Force One was seen moving out of its hangar. However, Trump later emerged from Marine One and confirmed that the equipment had been tested to ensure it was working properly, indicating no emergency had occurred.
According to reports, the slide was accidentally triggered by military personnel. 'Air Force One is on its way to Dallas so he can deliver his much-anticipated speech to a raucous and sold-out crowd,' a person briefed on the situation told Fox News. The unusual scene unfolded after Marine One rolled to a stop near the presidential aircraft, with Trump remaining aboard the helicopter.
The $400 million Qatari-gifted jet has faced questions about its security, and the deployment of the slide added to these concerns. The older jet then deployed its front and rear stairs, further complicating the situation. The incident occurred as Trump was eagerly awaiting his trip to Texas for Republicans' unusual midterm convention.
The unexpected events did not affect Trump's plans, as he eventually boarded the newer aircraft and continued his journey to Dallas. The deployment of the slide was seen as a routine safety check, with Trump emphasizing that everything was working properly. The unusual scene at Joint Base Andrews highlighted the complexities of air travel for high-profile figures like the president.
What's confirmed
- President Donald Trump said the slide was being checked to "make sure everything works perfectly" after reporters asked if there was an emergency.
- An emergency slide deployment on the Qatari-gifted Air Force One raised questions at Joint Base Andrews Wednesday before President Donald Trump revealed it was all part of a safety check.
- The door of Marine One remained closed as of 2:19 p.m., according to the pool, fueling questions about whether the unexpected slide deployment had disrupted the president’s travel plans.
- Trump later emerged from the helicopter and said the equipment had been tested to ensure it was working properly, indicating there had not been an emergency aboard the aircraft.
- The door is opposite the entrance Trump typically uses to board the plane.
- At the same time, the older white-and-blue Air Force One was seen moving out of its hangar and into position a few hundred yards behind the newer aircraft.
- A person briefed on the situation told Fox News that military personnel had accidentally triggered the slide.
- "Air Force One is on its way to Dallas so he can deliver his much-anticipated speech to a raucous and sold-out crowd." The unusual scene unfolded after Marine One rolled to a stop near the presidential aircraft, with Trump remaining aboard the helicopter, and the slide could be seen extending from the plane.
What's still developing
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