Former US President Donald Trump was reportedly involved in a secret plane switch operation in Turkey last month, following a credible assassination threat linked to Iran. The incident, which occurred on July 8 after Trump attended a NATO summit in Ankara, saw the former president publicly board the presidential aircraft before discreetly transferring to a smaller military jet.
Details of the Covert Operation
According to reports by Moneycontrol, citing The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded the legacy Air Force One, a Boeing 747, in full view of cameras, creating the impression he would depart on the iconic presidential plane. However, minutes later, a dramatic transfer took place. Trump and several aides were moved from Air Force One to a smaller US Air Force C-32A aircraft using an airport catering truck as cover.
The catering truck was reportedly raised to the door of Air Force One on the side away from public view, allowing Trump to exit unseen. It then drove across the tarmac to the waiting C-32A, a modified Boeing 757, where he boarded. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also reportedly boarded the C-32A separately, an action intended to make the change appear routine. Journalists traveling on the legacy Air Force One were instructed to keep their window shades closed during the operation, further highlighting the secrecy surrounding the maneuver.
White House Response and Ongoing Threats
The White House did not directly confirm the specifics of the reported deception operation. However, Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft, gifted to the US by Qatar, stating it had been equipped with high-level security protocols to protect Trump and his staff. This defense came amid prior scrutiny over concerns that the newer aircraft might lack some defensive capabilities present in the older presidential planes.
Trump himself later acknowledged facing threats, telling reporters that he faces threats "all the time" and that Iran considers him a top target. This incident underscores the heightened security measures surrounding the former president, especially amidst ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran.