Trump Campaign Requests Military Aircraft With Antimissile Capabilities Amid Iran Threat
Increased Security Measures for Trump
Donald Trump's campaign is reportedly seeking the use of military aircraft and vehicles for his protection, following two assassination attempts in a short span of time. With less than a month left for the November election, the request for enhanced security measures is said to be due to threats from Iran. Reports from the New York Times and Washington Post suggest that the former president is seeking protections beyond what the US Secret Service currently provides. It is also reported that he is unlikely to play golf until new expanded protocols are in place.
Unprecedented Security Requests
According to the Washington Post, Trump's campaign has requested military aircraft for his transportation during the final weeks of the campaign, expanded flight restrictions over his residences and rallies, ballistic glass pre-positioned in seven battleground states, and an array of military vehicles for his transport. These requests are considered "extraordinary and unprecedented" as no nominee in recent history has been transported in military planes ahead of an election.
The Iran Threat
The campaign's request for heightened security measures is reportedly due to threats from Iran directed against Trump. In late September, he was briefed by top US intelligence officials about alleged efforts by Tehran to assassinate him. The campaign believes that Iran is still trying to kill him, prompting the request for military-level protections typically only afforded to the sitting Commander-in-Chief.
Concerns About Drones and Missiles
Trump's advisers have reportedly expressed concerns about drones and missiles. Republican congressional leaders have also urged the necessity of greatly heightened protocols to protect the former president, including protective military assets for his plane's inter-state travels in the run-up to the election.
Trump's Request for Military Aircraft
The Trump campaign is specifically requesting access to military aircraft with deterrent systems to protect against surface-to-air missiles. When asked about Trump’s requests, President Joe Biden said they should be fulfilled – “as long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s.”
Mainstream Media Reaction
While mainstream media may scoff at these requests, calling them "unprecedented", it is also unprecedented for a former president who is running for office again to face two assassination attempts within just two months, with significant Secret Service failures. Recently, a foreign leader was transported in a military plane in the eastern US, which didn't seem to bother the Democrats, despite the cost to taxpayers.
Bottom Line
The request for military-level protection for a former president running for office again is indeed unprecedented. However, the circumstances leading to this request are also extraordinary. The question that remains is whether these measures are justified given the threats, or if they are an overreach. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let us know what you think. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
