In a startling revelation that has left both political analysts and military experts scratching their heads, former President Donald Trump has claimed he once attempted to order a Black Hawk helicopter to collect takeaway food during a Chicago visit.
The extraordinary anecdote emerged during a campaign stop in Wisconsin, where Trump was speaking to supporters amid his ongoing criminal trial in New York. The former president shared what he presented as an example of his determination, though it has instead raised eyebrows about his understanding of military protocol and presidential authority.
A Questionable Anecdote
According to Trump's account, while visiting Chicago, he developed a craving for takeaway food but found himself without adequate security to leave his location safely. His purported solution? Commandering one of America's most sophisticated military aircraft for a food delivery mission.
"I said, 'Where's the Black Hawk? I want to get a Black Hawk,'" Trump told his audience, describing his frustration with the security situation. "Let's get a Black Hawk in here. We're going to get a takeout. We're going to land it right out front."
Security Experts Express Alarm
Military analysts have been quick to question the plausibility of Trump's story, noting that the use of a $21 million military helicopter for personal food collection would represent an extraordinary breach of protocol.
"The idea that any president would consider using a Black Hawk for personal errands demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of military resources and their appropriate use," commented a former Pentagon official who requested anonymity.
Venezuelan Connection Raises Eyebrows
In the same speech, Trump made additional controversial remarks about Venezuela, suggesting he would have been "so rough" on the country's oil industry and making questionable claims about Venezuelan military capabilities.
These comments come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions in the region and have drawn criticism from foreign policy experts who argue such rhetoric undermines diplomatic efforts.
Trial Context and Political Implications
The unusual claims emerge as Trump faces 34 felony counts in New York related to alleged hush money payments. Political observers note that his increasingly colourful anecdotes may represent an attempt to distract from legal troubles while rallying his base.
However, the Black Hawk story in particular has sparked concerns about how such narratives might be received by international audiences and military personnel, with some questioning the judgement behind sharing such a questionable account.
As the campaign season heats up and legal battles continue, this latest revelation adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about presidential credibility and the appropriate use of military resources.