Maggie Haberman Unleashes on Trump's Air Force One Switch: A Security Nightmare

Maggie Haberman ripped into the hasty retrofitting of President Donald Trump’s Qatari jet, labeling it “rushed” after he opted for the old Air Force One while leaving Turkey.

During a discussion with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Haberman revealed that while she and Jonathan Swan were investigating Trump’s plans to convert the Qatari jet into a new Air Force One last year, insiders disclosed that the aircraft lacked essential defense capabilities to safeguard the president.

“Despite the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that were already spent to retrofit this plane for security, what remains?” Haberman demanded.

The most alarming takeaway from the plane switch was the directive for passengers aboard the old Air Force One to keep their window shades down during departure from Turkey.

“In my experience, you have those blinds down when you are on a potentially dangerous flight, such as when presidents have gone into Iraq or when military aircraft would go into Iraq during the war,” she stated.

Reports indicated that the Secret Service ordered the plane switch due to heightened security concerns amid escalating tensions with Iran. Trump, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that the change was made so troops in the United Kingdom could view the newly renovated aircraft.

Regarding the closed window shades, Trump acknowledged it was likely due to being “probably on a dangerous flight.”

“I have a threat all the time. I’m No. 1 on their list,” he claimed when questioned about any credible threats against Air Force One from Iran.

Trump also stated he was unaware of any order for passengers to lower their window shades.