Trump Confirms Secret Plane Swap in Turkey Over Iran Assassination Threat
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was secretly moved from Air Force One to another military aircraft during his return journey from Turkey last month after security officials raised concerns about a possible Iranian attack.
Trump disclosed the operation while speaking to reporters, saying the decision was made by the US Secret Service and military authorities, and that he followed their instructions because of a potential threat.
«“They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane. I just have to do what they say,” Trump said.»
He added that he did not seek details of the alleged threat, noting that presidents routinely face security risks.
Reports of the covert aircraft switch emerged on Tuesday, indicating that US security agencies had taken precautions to protect Trump from a possible assassination attempt allegedly linked to Iran.
According to American media reports, Trump initially boarded the legacy Air Force One in full view of journalists after his arrival in Ankara, Turkey. He was subsequently transferred, without public announcement, to an Air Force C-32A military aircraft.
The development occurred amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the US military campaign against Iran.
Trump had previously described himself as Iran’s “number one target” during his summit engagements in Turkey. Iranian leaders had also threatened retaliation following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike in February.
The president had travelled to Turkey aboard a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar to the United States for presidential use. However, concerns had been raised about the security of the aircraft, prompting plans for additional upgrades.
On July 8, hours before his departure from Ankara, Trump announced that he would return to the United States aboard the older Air Force One rather than the Qatari-provided aircraft.
Press footage showed Trump boarding the legacy presidential aircraft. However, shortly afterwards, a catering vehicle reportedly left the aircraft and moved towards the military plane.
The Washington Post reported that Trump subsequently travelled aboard the C-32A to a refuelling stop in the United Kingdom, while journalists and some White House officials accompanying him remained aboard Air Force One.
The journalists reportedly believed Trump was travelling on the same aircraft and were instructed to keep their window shades closed during the flight, an unusual security measure.
Upon reaching the United Kingdom, Trump reboarded the legacy Air Force One and was later seen disembarking from the aircraft at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.
The precise circumstances surrounding his transfer from the C-32A back to Air Force One remain unclear.
Trump later transferred to the Qatari-donated aircraft for the final leg of his journey to Washington.
During that flight, the president acknowledged concerns over Iranian threats but did not initially disclose that he had been secretly moved between aircraft.
Asked why journalists had been instructed to keep the aircraft’s window shades closed during the journey from Turkey, Trump said the precaution was necessary because they were travelling on what he described as a potentially dangerous flight.
The White House and US security agencies have not publicly provided further details about the nature of the alleged Iranian threat or the intelligence that prompted the covert aircraft switch.