Didn’t sign up to protect Trump: Journalists slam White House over POTUS’ secret plane swap

Last month, journalists flying with US President Donald Trump faced a secret plane swap when he was moved from Air Force One to a military aircraft due to an Iranian threat, according to The Washington Post. The journalists only realized the unusual situation after the flight, expressing disappointment at the White House's lack of transparency.

They felt deceived and did not sign up to protect Trump, stating they weren't Air Force or Secret Service personnel. While the journalists acknowledged the risks of traveling with the president, they expected to be informed about any specific threats. The CIA had low confidence in reports of an Iranian threat, but two anonymous officials confirmed F-16 fighter jets were deployed as armed escorts.

The White House violated the core agreement with the press corps by concealing the secret maneuver, leaving journalists and staff members unknowingly exposed to a potential threat.