President Donald Trump has revealed that he secretly switched aircraft during a visit to Turkey last month, following security threats reportedly linked to Iran. The decision was made on the instructions of the US Secret Service.
What Happened
According to Reuters, Trump told reporters that security concerns existed during his travel after attending the NATO summit in Turkey. US media reports indicated that the President was moved from one plane to another due to Iranian threats of a possible attack or assassination attempt.
Reports indicate that Trump initially boarded the new Air Force One upon departure from Ankara. However, shortly afterward, he was secretly transferred via a catering truck to a different military aircraft, a C-32A. The operation was aimed at keeping the President’s actual movements confidential.
Trump’s Statement
Trump stated that the decision to switch planes was not made at his personal request but on the instruction of the Secret Service. “I follow the instructions of the agency responsible for presidential protection and the military,” he said.
The President also noted that the aircraft he ultimately traveled on was apparently at greater risk compared to Air Force One. “For adversaries, that plane could potentially have been a more significant target if they knew the President was on board,” Trump said.
He added that he was not fully informed of the specific details of the potential threat but acknowledged that he continuously receives various types of threats.
Background
The revelation came after US media published reports about Trump’s secret plane switch. Previously, the White House had given the impression that Trump had traveled from Turkey to the UK on Air Force One as usual.
According to reports, Trump had arrived in Ankara on a new aircraft provided by Qatar for the NATO summit. This was the first international flight for the new aircraft, which subsequently raised questions about its security and advanced protective systems.
What’s Next
The Secret Service and military are expected to review security protocols following the incident. The disclosure highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the President amid tensions with Iran and other adversaries.
