Former President Donald Trump’s campaign requested military aircraft and vehicles amid growing security threats, multiple outlets reported Friday.
Following two assassination attempts and Iran’s increasing threats against Trump, the campaign has requested that the former president have ballistic glass set up during key swing state rallies and that there be increased flight restrictions above his residences and events, according to The Washington Post. No presidential nominee in recent years has traveled by way of military aircraft before an election, but the growing concerns surrounding potential drone and missile strikes following government confirmation that Iran is still actively plotting to kill Trump have caused the federal government to tighten its security measures.
Trump’s campaign shared the requests after receiving briefings on the current security threats, according to emails sent over the past two weeks reviewed by The Washington Post. Susie Wiles, a Trump campaign manager, shared her belief that the Secret Service would require the additional assistance before making the request, Politico reported.
Wiles also expressed disappointment in emails to the Secret Service after a public event for the former president was cancelled due to “lack of personnel,” and Trump was instead placed in a room with reporters, the Washington Post reported.
Despite some events being hindered by security threats, there are still plans to hold more rallies in the campaign’s final weeks, according to the Washington Post. Wiles also expressed frustration in her emails to the Secret Service, stating that the government has not sought out an “extensive enough plan” to properly protect the former president. However, Secret Service officials stated that Trump is actively receiving enhanced protection.
“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,” Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, told CBS News. Guglielmi added that the Secret Service is also placing “Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over the former President’s residence and when he travels. 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.”
One Senior U.S. official noted that the requests from the Trump campaign are being reviewed, but there are some restrictions surrounding bulletproof glass, the Washington Post noted. Some officials stated that because of current intelligence, it was unlikely the campaign’s request for military aircraft would be approved.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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