Politics
Trump Had One Main Concern About Visiting Troops In Iraq
A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 demonstrates an aerial refuel with an F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 and F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 during the 42nd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2018. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show also encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft, aerial performances, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Deseree Kamm)
President Donald Trump revealed Wednesday that he was concerned for the safety of first lady Melania Trump during an unannounced trip to Iraq late Christmas evening to visit with U.S. troops for the holidays.
Trump told reporters while speaking at a press conference at the Al Asad Airbase just west of Baghdad that he “absolutely” had concerns traveling to the combat zone, specifically for the people with whom he was traveling.
“I had concerns about the institution of the presidency — not for myself personally,” the president said. “I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you.”
WATCH:
“Absolutely,” President Trump says when asked if he had any concerns about visiting Iraq.
“I had concerns for the institution of the presidency — not for myself, personally. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you,” he adds https://t.co/CVKiJ7noty pic.twitter.com/nto3ySGHFP
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) December 26, 2018
“But if you would have seen what we had to go through — with the darkened plane, with all windows closed, with no lights on whatsoever, anywhere — pitch black,” he continued. “I’ve been on many airplanes — all types and shapes and sizes. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Trump’s surprise trip to Iraq marks his first voyage into a war zone since becoming commander in chief. The president and first lady spent hours after touching down greeting servicemen and taking photographs.
“We’re coming in and I know all of the things that are surrounding us for safety,” Trump said. “So did I have a concern? Yes, I had a concern.”
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