In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump secretly switched planes during his departure from a NATO summit in Turkey last month. This elaborate ruse was orchestrated in response to a credible Iranian threat, according to reports from US media outlets.
The president’s clandestine maneuver involved boarding Air Force One in full view of television cameras before being discreetly transported to a military aircraft using a catering truck. Journalists and some White House staff on board were unaware of the switch, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the operation.
The Iranian Threat and the Secret Maneuver
Officials revealed that the US had detected a specific threat from Iran to fire a missile at the plane. This threat was significant enough to prompt the secretive change of aircraft. Trump had previously acknowledged being Iran’s number one target during the summit in Ankara.
The clandestine operation took place a day after the US renewed military strikes on Iran following a breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump had arrived in Turkey aboard a newer Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar but announced he would leave on the old Air Force One for old time’s sake.
The Catering Truck Ruse
On 8 July, footage showed Trump boarding the presidential jet at Ankara airport. However, according to reports, he was then secretly taken to a smaller C-32A military aircraft—a modified Boeing 757 often used by the vice-president—via a catering truck that had been elevated to plane level on the opposite side of where he had boarded.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the C-32A separately using external stairs to maintain the appearance of a normal flight. Journalists and some White House staff boarded Air Force One and were reportedly told to close their window shades, unaware that the president was no longer on board.
The Journey to the UK and Back
Trump then flew to the UK en route to the US, where he reboarded the old Air Force One and was seen descending from the aircraft after it landed at RAF Mildenhall. The details of how he moved from the C-32A back to the legacy jet remain unclear.
The president then transferred to the new Qatari-donated Air Force One to travel back to Washington. During that flight, Trump spoke to reporters on board, noting the threats posed by Iran but did not mention the earlier plane swap.
Trump’s Comments on the Threat
When asked why reporters had been told to lower the window shades on the plane from Turkey, Trump responded, Because you’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with. He acknowledged having a threat all the time on his life and that he is number one on Iran’s list.
Trump also humorously remarked, But if I go, you go, right? adding, Perhaps someday you want to change professions.
White House Response and Security Measures
White House communications director Steven Cheung did not directly confirm or deny the reports but emphasized that the new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft fitted with security measures to protect the president and his staff.
US intelligence had previously warned of a specific threat of an attack on Trump or his aircraft. Several journalists were summoned to testify under oath in response, and the Justice Department subsequently announced it was investigating illegal leaks.
The US has spent months retrofitting the $400m Boeing 747-8 to prepare it for the president. Older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology to blind incoming missiles, although it is unclear what systems the Qatari jet has.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President’s travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete.
