According to US officials familiar with the matter, Trump secretly left the presidential aircraft shortly before Air Force One was scheduled to take off from Ankara following last month’s NATO summit. He was reportedly taken to another US government aircraft with the help of an airport catering truck.
The Washington Post first reported the secret plane switch, while CBS News separately reported that US intelligence had identified a credible plot to fire a missile at the aircraft carrying Trump as he left the Turkish capital.
The unusual security operation was reportedly carried out because of concerns over threats from Iran and allied proxy groups. Trump had previously acknowledged the risks surrounding his travel during the US-Iran conflict, describing himself as Iran’s “number one target.”
Trump appeared to board Air Force One
Hours before the operation, on July 8, Trump announced that he would leave Ankara aboard the older Air Force One rather than the newer aircraft donated by Qatar.
At the time, Trump said he was switching planes “for old time’s sake” and suggested that US personnel at a refuelling stop in the United Kingdom would have an opportunity to inspect the newer aircraft. However, CBS News reported that the Secret Service had advised Trump to use the older aircraft for security reasons.
Video recorded by journalists at Ankara Esenboğa Airport showed Trump walking up the stairs of the older Air Force One before entering the aircraft. A catering truck was parked on the opposite side of the plane.
Several minutes later, the truck reportedly moved away from Air Force One and travelled toward another US government aircraft, identified by The Washington Post as an Air Force C-32A.
Trump then reportedly travelled from Ankara to a refuelling stop in the United Kingdom aboard the separate aircraft, while members of the press and some presidential staff remained aboard Air Force One. Those travelling on the presidential jet reportedly believed that Trump was also on board.
Press cabin windows kept closed
The unusual security arrangements were also visible to journalists travelling with the president.
While in Ankara, members of the press were instructed to keep the window shades in the press cabin of Air Force One closed. When reporters asked Trump about the instruction, he said they were “probably on a dangerous flight” because of the threats facing the United States.
The reported operation meant that the aircraft carrying journalists and some members of Trump's staff effectively served as a decoy while the president travelled separately. The Trump administration has not previously disclosed publicly that the press and some presidential staff were travelling on a different aircraft from the president.
Trump later switched to new Air Force One
After reaching the United Kingdom, Trump reportedly transferred to the newer presidential aircraft and continued his journey toward Washington, D.C. The aircraft had been donated by the government of Qatar and later modified by the US Air Force for presidential use.
Trump's newer Air Force One officially began operating in June. Last month, however, the president said the aircraft had been sent for additional security upgrades after questions were raised about its protection capabilities. The aircraft was reportedly being “maxed out” with additional upgrades, according to Trump.
White House declines to discuss plane switch
The White House did not directly answer questions about the secret operation. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement that the new Air Force One had been equipped with advanced security protocols to protect the president and his staff.
He also said the president faces threats from multiple adversaries and that the administration uses every available tool to address those risks. The US Air Force has described the new presidential aircraft as safe and secure, saying it is equipped with advanced technologies required for the presidential mission.
Meanwhile, several Trump administration officials reportedly expressed concern that highly classified security procedures had become public. Officials fear that disclosure of such tactics could make it more difficult to use similar protective measures for the president in the future.
The reported plane switch highlights the level of security precautions surrounding Trump's international travel amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
