Former President Donald Trump confirmed that while leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, he changed aircraft secretly because of a possible threat.
He explained that, following instructions from Secret Service and the military, he needed to move to a different flight and plane to ensure safety.
The change happened after footage showed Trump boarding Air Force One at Ankara airport, before being taken to a smaller military plane—a modified Boeing 757—by a catering truck elevated to the plane level.
Journalists, White House staff, and other passengers aboard Air Force One were unaware of the switch and were told to close their window shades, making the operation look routine.
Officials say the United States detected a credible threat from Iran that could involve a missile launch at the larger aircraft.
Trump’s public statement highlighted that the smaller C‑32A was at greater risk; however, the decoy plane’s safety remains an open concern among observers.
This clandestine manoeuvre was reported a day after the U.S. renewed military strikes on Iran following stalled negotiations to end the conflict.
Trump had initially arrived in Turkey aboard a newer Boeing 747‑8 donated by Qatar, then announced he would leave on the old Air Force One “for old times’ sake.”
