U.S. President Donald Trump covertly changed planes during a recent trip from Turkey due to security concerns arising from an Iranian threat. Initially reported as flying on Air Force One from Turkey to Britain after attending a NATO summit, Trump actually switched aircraft using a catering truck just before takeoff. The White House had not disclosed this maneuver at the time.
Confirming the incident, Trump mentioned that the Secret Service and military advised the plane change due to a security threat, which he said did not intimidate him. He clarified that the decision to switch planes was not his, emphasizing that he did not inquire much about the specific threat, as he frequently receives various threats.
During the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump had used a newly renovated jet donated by Qatar, but for the return trip, he opted to use an older Air Force One, raising questions about the security of the newer aircraft. The unexpected change in planes occurred as tensions with Iran were escalating, given its proximity to Turkey.
Before departing Turkey, Trump announced on social media his choice to use the older Air Force One, citing nostalgia, while the new plane stopped at the same base for U.S. service members to tour. Journalists traveling with Trump were misled into believing they were on the older plane, which was used as a decoy, and were instructed to keep their window shades closed during the flight.
Trump later explained to reporters that the window shades were kept closed for safety reasons, jokingly remarking that if he was in danger, they were too. The incident has sparked security concerns and raised questions about the decision-making process surrounding the plane switch.