Donald Trump Wishes Air Force One Reporters a Safe Flight Only ‘Because I’m on the Flight’: ‘Otherwise I Wouldn’t Care’

President Donald Trump made a subtle dig at a group of reporters during their flight across the Atlantic.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, the president spoke to journalists on Air Force One while returning to Washington, D.C., after his state visit to the United Kingdom.

He ended his remarks by telling reporters he hoped they had a safe trip back to the U.S. — because their safety also meant his safety.

“Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight,” Trump, 79, said. “Otherwise I wouldn’t care.”

Trump’s comment came shortly after he and First Lady Melania Trump faced a travel scare of their own.

Before leaving London, the Trumps took a short helicopter ride on Marine One that had to make an emergency landing at a local airfield due to a “minor hydraulic issue.”

They were flying from Chequers to Stansted Airport, where Air Force One was waiting. Marine One landed early “out of an abundance of caution,” according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The couple then switched to a backup helicopter to continue their journey.

The Trumps had another aircraft issue earlier in their trip. While flying over Long Island, N.Y., a Spirit Airlines jet came dangerously close to Air Force One after its pilots reportedly hesitated to move away from the president’s plane, following instructions from air traffic controllers.

The White House Correspondents’ Association, a century-old group of political journalists, organizes “press pools” for most presidential events to keep the White House transparent.

Pool reporters document the president’s actions and comments throughout the day, then share key details with the rest of the WHCA. This ensures all members can report on the president and keep the public informed.

Whenever the president travels on Air Force One, he is accompanied by a full traveling press pool that includes at least one representative from each type of media.