US President Donald Trump's departure for the Republican Midterm Convention hit an unexpected snag as the emergency slide activated from Air Force One. The controversial new aircraft was a gift to Trump from Qatar.
Slide deploys on runway
At approximately 2.20pm local time, the inflatable chute could be observed unfurled onto the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. The slide was reportedly spotted emerging from the right side of the aircraft, rather than from the side conventionally used by the president.
Trump was understood to be waiting aboard Marine One at the time. When questioned about the slide, the Republican leader informed reporters that officials were conducting routine "checks" on the plane.
President's response
"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."
Trump was then asked again, "Are you sure the plane is safe to fly?" The 80-year-old president replied, "Yeah. I am.. or I wouldn't be on it."
Recent security concerns
Images captured from the scene revealed the aircraft stationary on the runway, prompting widespread speculation about what had occurred. Following a lengthy exchange with journalists, Trump climbed aboard the plane while cameras continued filming.
This incident arrives just weeks after it emerged the president switched aircraft using a catering van amid an alleged threat from Iran. The politician is understood to have deployed the presidential Boeing as a diversion by departing on an alternative plane when he left the NATO summit in August.
