US President Donald Trump reportedly took part in an elaborate security operation involving a secret aircraft switch after leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, amid concerns over a potential Iranian attack.
According to reports by US media, Trump appeared to board Air Force One at Ankara airport on July 8, but was allegedly transferred to a separate military aircraft in a covert operation designed to conceal his movements.
The reported operation came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and concerns over Trump’s personal safety.
Trump Reportedly Moved Through Catering Truck
According to The Washington Post, Trump was discreetly moved from the airport tarmac to a smaller C-32A military aircraft using a catering truck positioned alongside the aircraft.
The C-32A is a modified Boeing 757 commonly used to transport the US vice president and other senior government officials.
Trump had earlier been seen boarding the presidential Boeing 747, with television footage creating the impression that he would travel aboard the aircraft.
However, reports said the president was subsequently moved to the C-32A on the opposite side of the aircraft using the catering vehicle.
The operation was reportedly designed to prevent observers from knowing that Trump had changed aircraft.
Reported Iranian Threat
Sources cited by CBS News reportedly said US authorities had identified a credible Iranian threat involving a possible missile attack against the aircraft.
The White House has not publicly confirmed the reported threat or the details of the alleged aircraft switch.
The reported security measures came at a particularly tense moment in US-Iran relations.
During the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump had reportedly described himself as Iran’s “number one target.”
The covert operation also reportedly took place shortly after the United States resumed military strikes against Iran following unsuccessful diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Journalists Were Allegedly Kept in the Dark
The reported deception apparently extended to members of the White House press corps and some White House personnel.
Journalists boarded the original Air Force One after Trump was seen entering the aircraft and were reportedly instructed to keep their window shades closed.
According to information shared by the White House Correspondents Association, the unusual instruction raised questions among members of the travelling press.
A pool producer reportedly said it was unusual for journalists to be specifically instructed to keep the shades down.
When a photographer briefly opened a window shade, the Secret Service reportedly ordered it to be closed, citing security considerations.
The journalists subsequently remained on the aircraft, reportedly unaware that Trump was no longer travelling with them.
Defense Secretary Also Changed Aircraft
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly boarded the C-32A separately using external stairs.
According to the reports, his movement was also part of the effort to maintain the appearance that the presidential aircraft was preparing to depart normally.
The aircraft carrying Trump reportedly used the call sign “Reach 18,” while the Boeing 747 carrying the journalists retained the “AF1” call sign.
Technically, Air Force One is the call sign assigned to any aircraft carrying the US president.
In this case, however, the continued use of the AF1 call sign by the aircraft carrying the press reportedly helped preserve the appearance that Trump remained aboard the presidential jet.
Trump Had Announced He Would Use Air Force One
Trump had initially arrived in Turkey aboard a newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft provided by Qatar.
He later indicated that he would depart aboard the older Air Force One, reportedly describing the decision as being “for old time’s sake.”
Television footage subsequently showed him boarding the presidential aircraft at Ankara airport.
The apparent departure, however, reportedly formed part of the elaborate security operation, with Trump secretly transferred to the C-32A.
Journey Continued to Britain
Following the reported aircraft switch, Trump travelled to the United Kingdom before eventually returning to the United States.
He was later seen aboard the traditional Air Force One after it arrived at RAF Mildenhall in Britain.
It remains unclear from the reports exactly when or how Trump transferred from the C-32A back to the presidential Boeing 747.
The reported incident has drawn attention because of the extraordinary measures allegedly taken to protect the president’s location and movements amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Neither the White House nor US officials have publicly confirmed all details surrounding the alleged covert aircraft operation.
If confirmed, the episode would demonstrate the extent of security precautions taken around presidential travel when US intelligence agencies identify a potential threat to the president.
BBC
