Whenever President Donald Trump leaves the White House, it's as if he takes the White House with him, based on the amount of security, agents, cargo, and vehicles that accompany him. President Trump often travels with both Air Force One (the presidential aircraft) and several accompanying planes. While ‘Air Force One’ can describe any Air Force aircraft carrying the President, it usually refers to specific planes equipped for presidential transport.
Several presidents prior to Trump have done this is a form of extensive security, and Trump does this as well. A lot of Trump's trips in Air Force One involve some type of campaigning or fundraising, and he has also visited American troops in war zones to give them encouragement and show his appreciation. Air Force One allows the president to go anywhere on the globe on very short notice.
Read on to find out more about why President Trump travels via Air Force One and several accompanying planes in his trips across the globe.
It's Being Used For Campaigning
Air Force One is often deployed when the President makes trips related to campaigning and fundraising. Trump in particular has used Air Force One largely for this purpose. Air Force One is one of two highly-customized Boeing 747-200B series aircrafts showcasing symbols of the presidency, such as the words “United States of America,” the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States. It has an unlimited range, as it can refuel midair. It also has onboard electronics that are hardened enough to shield the plane against an electromagnetic pulse, as well as advanced secure communications equipment.
Like many presidents before him, Donald Trump has often used Air Force One for campaigning or fundraising purposes. Air Force One often delivers Trump to several rallies, fundraisers, and events that could be official business in states like Pennsylvania and Florida regarding Trump's 2020 reelection. From there, Trump goes from the plane to his limousine, which is equally armed, bulletproof, and equipped with advanced electronics. By the time he arrives at the rally, the public just seems him coming out of his limo.
However, while Trump's campaign reimburses the government for a portion of the travel, the source of the remainder of the budget for Air Force One travel expenses remains a mystery. That said, it's a requirement for the president's campaign or political parties to reimburse the government for the political aspects of a visit. The White House determines if Trump's trips have any political purpose to them, and Trump has so far averaged two dozen Air Force One trips this year, 10 of which involve some kind of political activity.
Decoy Planes Are Used
One form of security the White House uses is to employ a decoy plane. There are actually two Air Force One planes for the president to use. One is a decoy, used as security to mislead the public and any potential threats about which plane the president is actually using.
Two planes look like Air Force One, and the use of a decoy plane keeps onlookers and potential opponents guessing about which aircraft has the president on board. However, just because one is a decoy doesn't make it any less equipped or effective. Both planes have the same specifications and features.
For example, both planes sport extensive electronics, like 85 onboard telephones, a secured air-to-ground line, multiple two-way radios, 19 televisions and all sorts of office equipment. Often, the presidential aircraft that Trump had flown to a state and is parked at an airport for onlookers to see is the decoy. Secretly, another Air Force One plane will touch down at a military base hangar without lights, noise, or fanfare, allowing the president to slip in and out of a destination, hidden from the public eye and without public knowledge.
Air Force One often lands in the dark with the shades drawn and interior lights off for security reasons. Meanwhile, public onlookers are too busy watching the decoy arrive and depart.
War Zone Visits
President Trump also uses Air Force One to go to War Zones, where he will visit American troops stationed there as a means of encouragement or appreciation. He once went from South Florida to Afghanistan the night before Thanksgiving to visit troops stationed there. A few of Trump's asides planned carefully for weeks to keep the trip surrounded in secrecy so details wouldn't be leaked. Trump has taken two trips in Air Force One during his presidency to combat zones, and it was his first trip to Afghanistan.
Trump had been criticized early in his presidency for not visiting troops at war, and it was reported that the troops were cheering for Trump upon his arrival. Although Trump said nothing publicly before leaving his family, including first lady Melania Trump, the US Army was aware of Trump's visit, keeping watch in their helicopters.
Seven Planes House Cargo And Agents
The president has a large following of both people and things when he travels, necessitating the use of multiple planes, usually seven, to carry both cargo and agents. The White House press staff even says, “Wherever the president goes, the white house goes with him.” Although Donald Trump flies on Air Force One, it is not the only aircraft involved on the president's trips.
Seven planes (or more) often accompany Air Force One with all the extra agents, journalists, weapons, cargo, and other items needed for the trip. Before the president’s jet touches down at his destination, the Secret Service will fly a backup plane to a secret location should something happen to the primary mode of transport.
A minimum of seven planes fly with the president every time the president travels, and thousands of people are involved with each effort. Helicopters, limousines, and communication equipment are just some of the aforementioned cargo transported among those seven planes. Other planes hold hundreds of agents and staff members. Two airplanes are just present to accompany Air Force One. The presidential limo, nicknamed The Beast, and two backups, which are all sealed to withstand chemical or biological weapons, are loaded onto giant C-17 cargo planes.
Sources: whitehouse.gov, usatoday.com, politico.com, bbc.com, cheatsheet.com, nbcnews.com,