Iranian assassination threat prompted secret Trump transportation switch - report

An alleged Iranian threat to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump led to a secret security operation last month, rerouting his travel from Turkey to the United Kingdom aboard an alternate military aircraft. The White House publicly maintained the impression that Trump was traveling on the older Air Force One, according to a report by the Washington Post.

The covert mission, previously undisclosed, was executed without the knowledge of journalists and even some White House staff who believed they were accompanying the president. The report is based on materials reviewed by the Washington Post and interviews with anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the operation and Trump's travel arrangements.

Trump departed Turkey on July 8, with the administration stating he used the older Air Force One. He had also publicly announced his intention to use the "former Air Force One" rather than the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. However, the report details that Trump did not remain on the aircraft seen by cameras.

While in Ankara for a NATO summit, following U.S. military strikes against Iran ordered by Trump, he boarded the older Air Force One before cameras. Minutes later, he was secretly transferred to a smaller U.S. Air Force C-32A aircraft using a catering truck. This truck, typically used for food and supplies, was hydraulically raised to a door on the opposite side of Air Force One, allowing Trump and aides to enter. The older aircraft then served as a "decoy," with journalists and staff remaining aboard while Trump flew to the UK on the other plane, concealing his location for hours.