Air Force One Slide Deployment Delays Trump Travel

An emergency slide deployed from the Qatar-gifted Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, briefly delaying President Donald Trump's departure for Dallas. The incident occurred shortly before Trump was scheduled to board the aircraft for the Republican convention. Trump, who arrived at the base aboard Marine One, remained on the helicopter for more than 20 minutes as crews addressed the situation on the tarmac. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that the slide deployment was part of a planned safety check. "They were doing a check on the slide, you know, in the emergency. So, I think it takes about 15 minutes," Trump said. He added that crews wanted to ensure the aircraft was functioning perfectly. When asked if he was confident the plane was safe to fly, Trump responded, "Yeah, I am, or I wouldn't be on it." The slide was seen extended from the right side of the Boeing 747, opposite the entrance typically used by the president. While the inspection was underway, the older presidential aircraft, identifiable by its light blue paint scheme, was moved into position behind the newer jet as a backup.