Trump secretly used a U.S. military aircraft to leave Turkey last month after officials received a credible Iranian assassination threat, according to a U.S. official familiar with the operation and corroborating material reviewed by the report.
The White House had said the president would travel aboard an older Air Force One after attending the NATO summit in Ankara. However, Trump secretly transferred to a smaller Air Force C-32A before leaving Turkey.
The operation came as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated. Turkey shares a border with Iran, adding to security concerns surrounding Trump’s visit.
Air Force One used as a decoy
Trump arrived in Ankara aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. The NATO summit marked the plane’s first international trip and raised questions over its security and extensive upgrades.
Before leaving Turkey, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would travel to Britain aboard an older, baby-blue Air Force One “for old time’s sake”.
The newer aircraft was also scheduled to travel to RAF Mildenhall. U.S. service members stationed there were expected to tour the plane.
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After Trump boarded the older Air Force One in front of cameras, officials secretly moved him to a C-32A. According to the report, an airport catering truck helped transfer him away from public view.
The older Air Force One then continued its journey with journalists who believed Trump remained aboard.
Journalists kept in the dark
Reporters travelling on the older aircraft were reportedly told to keep the window shades in the press cabin closed.
Some White House staff also believed Trump was on the aircraft, according to a source familiar with the operation.
Later, reporters asked Trump why they had to keep their shades closed during the flight.
He replied that they were “probably on a dangerous flight” and added, “But if I go, you go. Right?”
The C-32A carrying Trump reached Britain at about 10:20 p.m. local time. The older Air Force One arrived only minutes later.
It remains unclear how officials moved Trump from the C-32A back to the older presidential aircraft.
Trump later emerged from the older Air Force One at around 10:56 p.m. He briefly gave reporters a peace sign before greeting U.S. service members.
He then walked toward the Qatar-donated aircraft.
White House defends security measures
The White House did not directly address the secret flight operation.
Communications Director Steve Cheung instead said the Qatar-donated aircraft had received high-level security upgrades designed to protect Trump and his staff.
Cheung also pointed to threats against the president and said the administration uses every available tool to address them.
The reported operation has drawn attention because presidential travel normally involves extensive security procedures and visible use of Air Force One.
A similar deception occurred in 2000, when President Bill Clinton used an unmarked executive aircraft to enter Pakistan while Air Force One served as a decoy.
