As part of a complex ploy to counter a potential Iranian threat, Donald Trump covertly switched planes as he departed a NATO conference in Turkey last month, according to US media.
According to the Washington Post, the US president boarded Air Force One in front of media cameras before being driven by a food truck to a military aircraft. Some White House employes and journalists on board were unaware that he had been sneaked out.
The US had identified a serious Iranian threat to launch a missile against the aircraft, officials informed the US partner. The covert swap has not been verified by the White House.
Trump Secret Plane Swap Reportedly Linked to Iran Threat
At the talks in Ankara, Trump had already declared himself Iran’s “number one target.”
The covert move was made the day after Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement to end the conflict, prompting the US to resume military operations against Iran.
Trump declared he would depart on the ancient Air Force One “for old time’s sake” after arriving in Turkey on a more recent Boeing 747-8 that Qatar had given.
He was seen boarding the presidential aircraft at the airport in Ankara on July 8. However, the Washington Post claims that he was then covertly transported to a smaller C-32A military aircraft, which is a modified Boeing 757 that the vise president frequently uses.
What Happened at Ankara Airport?
According to the publication, in an attempt to make the trip look regular, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the C-32A separately using exterior stairs.
As they boarded Air Force One, journalists and several White House employes were allegedly instructed to close their window blinds. They had no idea that the president had left.
One unique event on the aircraft, according to a pool producer on board, was when the press was asked to keep their sunglasses down. One was momentarily opened by a photographer, who was promptly instructed to close it and informed that the Secret Service, which protects the president, had requested it.
Journalists Reported Unusual Activity
In a report released on Tuesday by the White House Correspondents Association, the producer also mentioned that when the press arrived.
There seemed to be two catering trucks at the front and rear of the aircraft, and their van was too far back in the motorcade at the airport to be able to take a picture of the president boarding.
“Air Force One” is the official call sign for any aircraft transporting the president of the United States.
However, in order to maintain the charade, the aircraft carrying the journalists continued to use “AF1” while the C-32A used the call sign “Reach 18” on this particular occasion.
After then, Trump reboarded the original Air Force One after flying to the UK on his way to the US.
Trump Later Rejoined Air Force One
Speaking to reporters on board, Trump mentioned Iran’s threats on that flight, but he made no mention of the previous jet swap.
Trump said, “Because you’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with,” when asked why reporters had been instructed to lower the window blinds on the aircraft from Turkey.
He claimed to be “number one” on Iran’s “list” and to have a “threat all the time” on his life.He said, “But if I go, you go, right? Maybe someday you want to change professions.”
What Trump Said About the Threat
The new Air Force One is a “state-of-the-art aircraft” equipped with security measures to safeguard the president and his crew, according to White House communications director Steven Cheung, who did not either confirm or refute the rumors.
According to prior news reporting, US intelligence had previously warned of a particular danger of an assault on Trump or his plane.
The Secret Service had advised Trump to transfer aircraft upon his return from the NATO conference, according to a recent New York Times article about security concerns surrounding the flight given to him by Qatar.
In response, a number of the publication’s journalists were called to testify under oath. Afterward, the Justice Department said that it was looking into unlawful disclosures.
To get the $400 million Boeing 747-8 ready for the president, the US has spent months modifying it. Previous Air Force According to insiders who spoke to news, one jet uses laser technology to dazzle approaching missiles. What systems the Qatari jet possesses is unknown.
Why Was the Plane Switch Important?
In a statement to Reuters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The new Air Force One is completely safe for the president’s travels, but it will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete.”
