US President Donald Trump's departure to the Republican Midterm Convention appeared to hit a snag as the emergency slide activated from Air Force One. The new aircraft, presented to Trump by Qatar, was seen with the inflatable chute extended onto the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews at approximately 2.20pm local time.
Slide spotted on right-hand side
The slide was reportedly spotted emerging from the right-hand side of the aircraft, the opposite side to that traditionally used by the president. Trump was understood to be positioned close by on Marine One at the time.
When questioned about the slide, Trump told reporters that officials were conducting some "checks" on the aircraft. "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."
President insists plane is safe
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."
Photographs captured from the scene revealed the plane stationary on the runway, with many questioning what had occurred. After speaking to the media for an extended period, Trump boarded the aircraft with cameras still rolling.
Previous security concerns
It comes just weeks after it emerged the president switched jets using a catering van following an alleged threat from Iran. The politician is understood to have used the presidential Boeing as a decoy by travelling on a different aircraft when he departed the NATO summit in August.
