Trump asked to use military aircraft for his campaign.

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign recently requested military assets to enhance his security due to threats on his life in the final weeks of the campaign. The campaign reached out to the White House and the Secret Service to request the use of a military aircraft for transportation, expanded flight restrictions over Trump’s residences and campaign rallies, and the use of ballistic glass for added security measures.

This request for enhanced security comes after two assassination attempts against Trump since July and an alleged murder-for-hire plot involving a Pakistani national with ties to Iran. The former president and his administration officials have been held responsible by Iran for a drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

President Biden has expressed openness to providing Trump with the necessary security measures, stating to reporters that he has instructed the department to provide the former president with everything he needs. However, Biden jokingly added that as long as Trump doesn’t request F-15s, the security measures should be appropriate. Biden emphasized that the Republican presidential nominee should be treated as if he were a sitting president, ensuring that the security provided aligns with that position.

It is noteworthy that no presidential nominee or former president in recent history has been transported by a military plane before an election. However, following the second assassination attempt against Trump, Biden signed a bipartisan bill that enhances Secret Service protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates. This new bill requires the Secret Service to apply consistent standards in determining the number of agents needed to protect the president, vice president, and major candidates for those offices.

A Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed that Trump is receiving the highest levels of protection, including assistance from the Department of Defense for explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, airlift transportation, and other security measures such as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and advanced technology systems. Guglielmi stated that the Secret Service will continue to adjust and enhance its protective posture as needed to address evolving threats.

Overall, the request for military assets to enhance Trump’s security highlights the seriousness of the threats he faces and the need for robust protection measures to ensure his safety. With President Biden’s support and the Secret Service’s commitment to providing top-level protection, efforts are being made to safeguard Trump and address any potential security risks.