Amid fears of Iranian assassination plot, Trump requests military aircraft, vehicles for campaigning

Citing concerns over a potential Iranian assassination plot, Republican candidate Donald Trump’s campaign has requested for military vehicles and aircraft to transport and protect the former president.

According to emails reviewed by The Washington Post and people familiar with the matter, Trump’s campaign sought military aircraft for his travel in the campaign’s final weeks.

They also requested expanded flight restrictions over his residences and rallies, ballistic glass pre-positioned in seven battleground states for campaign use, and a variety of military vehicles for transporting Trump, added the report.

The report described the requests as both extraordinary and unprecedented as no recent nominee has been transported in military planes during an election campaign.

These requests followed briefings received by Trump’s campaign advisers, in which the government indicated that Iran is still actively plotting to assassinate Trump, as detailed in the emails reviewed by The Post and by individuals familiar with the matter, who spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive information.

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Trump’s advisers have also expressed growing concerns about drones and missiles.

In recent emails, campaign manager Susie Wiles expressed frustration to Secret Service head Ronald L. Rowe Jr. over a last-minute event cancellation due to insufficient personnel, forcing Trump to meet reporters in a small room instead. She indicated that threats were hampering campaign planning and criticized the government’s protective measures as inadequate.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a Trump ally, also requested military aircraft or enhanced protection for Trump’s private plane.

While the Secret Service stated Trump is receiving “the highest levels of protection,” discussions regarding specific requests remain unaddressed. In a letter to the campaign, Rowe said the government is assessing what can be provided, reported Washington Post.

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“Assistance from the Department of Defense is regularly provided for the former president’s protection, to include explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and airlift transportation,” Washington Post quoted Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi as saying.

The Secret Service is also imposing temporary flight restrictions “over the former president’s residence and when he travels,” he added.

“Additionally, the former president is receiving the highest level of technical security assets which include unmanned aerial vehicles, counter unmanned aerial surveillance systems, ballistics and other advanced technology systems,” Guglielmi was quoted as saying.

Former officials noted that no presidential nominee has previously used military jets for travel, calling it “extraordinary.” Trump’s team has begun using additional planes and often splits his motorcade for security.

This escalation follows two assassination attempts on Trump, prompting his team to demand greater security measures. While there’s no evidence linking Iran to these attempts, the FBI hasn’t ruled out a possible connection, as US intelligence suggests Iran seeks revenge for the 2020 killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

Despite ongoing frustrations with the Secret Service, Trump continues to inquire about potential Iranian involvement in the assassination attempts.

With inputs from agencies