WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has confirmed that US security officials secretly moved him onto a different aircraft after a potential threat was identified during his departure from a NATO summit in Turkey last month.
Trump said the decision was made by the Secret Service and military officials responsible for his security, adding that he followed their instructions without seeking extensive details about the threat.
The revelation sheds new light on an unusual departure from Ankara on 8 July, when Trump appeared to board Air Force One in front of television cameras. He was subsequently moved discreetly to a separate military aircraft while journalists and some members of his administration remained aboard the presidential jet.
Possible Iranian missile threat
US officials told CBS News that American authorities had detected what they considered a credible threat involving a possible Iranian missile attack against Trump’s aircraft.
The New York Times also reported that US intelligence had received information about an individual near the NATO summit who was allegedly seen with a shoulder-fired missile.
Trump said he was not given extensive details, but acknowledged that there had been a security concern.
The president has previously said he faces continuing threats from Iran and described himself as a major target during his visit to Turkey.
Elaborate security operation
The operation involved moving Trump away from the aircraft that journalists expected him to use.
According to reports, Trump was transferred from the presidential aircraft using a catering vehicle and subsequently taken to a smaller C-32A military plane, an aircraft frequently used for senior US officials.
The operation was apparently designed to avoid revealing Trump’s actual location or travel arrangements.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth separately boarded the military aircraft, while members of the travelling press corps continued onto the original presidential plane.
The aircraft carrying the journalists continued operating under the Air Force One call sign, while Trump’s replacement aircraft reportedly flew under the call sign “Reach 18”.
Journalists kept in the dark
The journalists travelling with Trump were reportedly unaware that he had left the aircraft.
Members of the press pool were instructed to keep the aircraft’s window shades closed, an unusual measure that attracted attention among those on board.
The White House Correspondents’ Association said the instructions were among several circumstances that raised questions about what was happening during the departure.
Some White House officials and members of Trump’s Cabinet also reportedly remained on the original aircraft.
Questions over passenger safety
The secret operation has raised questions about whether people left aboard the original aircraft were adequately informed about the security threat.
Trump suggested the aircraft he ultimately boarded could itself have represented a greater target because an attacker might have expected him to remain on the plane initially identified as Air Force One.
However, the incident has prompted concerns among journalists about whether those accompanying the president should have been informed if authorities believed there was a credible danger.
Jose Zamora of the Committee to Protect Journalists said the administration has a responsibility to protect journalists covering the president and ensure they are not unnecessarily exposed to security risks.
He also argued that reporters should receive information about credible threats when doing so is necessary for them to make informed decisions about their own safety.
Trump later continued to the UK
Following the secret flight from Turkey, Trump travelled to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States.
He later reboarded the older Air Force One aircraft and was seen leaving it after landing at RAF Mildenhall.
It remains unclear exactly how and when Trump transferred back from the C-32A to the presidential aircraft.
The unusual movement took place shortly after the United States had resumed military action against Iran following the collapse of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Security concerns remain
Trump has repeatedly said that threats against him are a routine part of his presidency. During his return journey from Turkey, he also referred to the dangers associated with travelling and said he was considered a significant target by Iran.
The latest disclosure provides a clearer picture of the security precautions surrounding the president’s international travel.
It also highlights the difficult balance between protecting a US president from potential attacks and ensuring that journalists and other officials travelling with him are adequately informed when their own safety could be affected.
The White House and US security agencies have not publicly disclosed the full intelligence that prompted the aircraft switch.
M10News will continue to follow developments involving the Trump administration, US national security and tensions between Washington and Tehran.
