Trump acknowledges secret switching of planes during Turkiye exit

President Donald Trump has acknowledged a secret plane switch he made while departing Turkiye after the NATO Summit last month, citing a security threat relayed by the Secret Service and military. His confirmation follows a Washington Post report detailing the covert maneuver.

“

It's only up to the Secret Service. I just follow what they'd like to do. I go by the Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane, equal safety, but they wanted me to do it, so I did it. I do what they say. I guess there was a threat out there. I get a lot of threats.

Trump explained that he complied with directives from the Secret Service and military, opting for a different flight for enhanced safety. "They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane, equal safety, but they wanted me to do it, so I did it," Trump told reporters, adding that he believes there was a threat. He noted that consequential presidents face numerous threats, unlike those he deemed "non-consequential."

“

This one went over to England where it was shown to the soldiers and they stopped and we showed it to the soldiers. We did a switch over there. It was as per the military and I just have to do what they say.

The Washington Post had previously reported that Trump boarded the familiar Air Force One jumbo jet in view of cameras but was secretly moved minutes later to a smaller Air Force C-32A aircraft. This was reportedly facilitated by an airport catering truck, used to position a door for his discreet exit. The publication cited a U.S. official familiar with the operation and another source with knowledge of the President's travel, speaking anonymously. The Air Force One, in this instance, allegedly served as a decoy, carrying media and some White House staff.

“

I think actually the plane that I flew on was at a greater risk, because I think that would be the plane they would be more likely to go for.