U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he made a dramatic mid-flight aircraft swap while departing a NATO summit in Turkey last month, a security operation that involved him being transferred between planes using a catering truck to avoid a credible Iranian assassination threat.
The extraordinary security manoeuvre unfolded after Trump had boarded what appeared to be Air Force One at Ankara. Within moments of takeoff, he secretly exited the aircraft via the catering vehicle and transferred to an alternate military flight bound for RAF Mildenhall in Britain, according to reporting from the Washington Post on Monday.
"They wanted me to go on a different flight, different plane," Trump told reporters Tuesday following an event in Ohio. "I guess there was a threat out there. I didn't really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats."
The president downplayed the security concern and suggested the situation posed minimal risk to others aboard the decoy aircraft, including White House officials, security personnel, support staff, and members of the press corps.
The Deception Operation
Trump had announced on Truth Social that he would use an older, vintage Air Force One—a baby blue aircraft—for the return journey "for old time's sake," while the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet would follow separately to allow U.S. service members stationed at the RAF base to tour the upgraded aircraft.
Journalists assigned to cover the president believed they were travelling with him on the older plane, which effectively served as a decoy. Press corps members were instructed to keep window shades closed throughout the flight—a precaution Trump later attributed to safety concerns.
"You're probably on a dangerous flight," Trump said when asked about the shade directive. "But if I go, you go. Right?"
Security Questions Linger
The incident raises fresh questions about the security of the newly renovated Qatari-gifted aircraft, which made its maiden international voyage for the NATO summit. The accelerated upgrade timeline for the aircraft had already drawn scrutiny regarding both its cost and defensive capabilities.
The operation occurred as tensions with Iran escalated, particularly given Turkey's geographical proximity to Iranian territory. Intelligence assessments apparently determined the threat level warranted the extraordinary precautions, though Trump characterised the situation with his typical dismissive tone regarding personal security threats.
The Secret Service and military brass made the final decision on the aircraft transfer, leaving the president with little choice in the matter, he acknowledged.
This story is based on reporting from CBC World.