In an unprecedented move last month, U.S. President Donald Trump made a discreet exit from a plane in Turkey, leaving behind reporters and White House staff. Following a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump was covertly transferred from Air Force One to a military aircraft using a catering truck due to an alleged Iranian assassination threat, as reported by U.S. media outlets. This switch was not disclosed by the White House, and the revelation only came to light when the Washington Post broke the story on Monday.
Trump, citing directions from the U.S. Secret Service, boarded the smaller military plane accompanied by close aides. Former CIA director John Brennan criticized the White House for not informing the press pool about the security threat, emphasizing the ethical obligation to do so.
During the summit, Trump opted to fly back to the U.K. on the older Air Force One jet for nostalgic reasons, despite previously expressing dissatisfaction with the aircraft. The use of the new jet raised questions about its cost and security upgrades. Journalist Maggie Haberman mentioned a possible off-the-record discussion with the press regarding the arrangements that kept them off Air Force One, drawing parallels to a similar incident in 2000 that remained undisclosed for 25 years.
The legacy Air Force One is equipped with advanced defensive systems as a precaution against threats, including missile strikes. Trump hinted that the decoy plane he traveled on may have been safer than the C-32A aircraft. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing threats against the President, given past assassination attempts.
Democrats have raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the plane switch, with Sen. Chuck Schumer calling for transparency from the White House and demanding briefings for congressional leaders. The incident has sparked discussions about the security measures in place for presidential travel, particularly in the face of potential threats like the alleged Iranian assassination plot targeting Trump and other high-profile figures.