Trump Says Secret Service Directed Plane Switch in Turkey Amid Attack Threat

Former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that his decision to covertly change planes in Turkey last July was a direct result of Secret Service recommendations amid concerns of an attack on the aircraft. The incident, recently revealed by major U.S. newspapers, prompted Trump to explain his adherence to security protocols.

"It depends on the Secret Service. I just follow their instructions, so I act under the supervision of the Secret Service and the Military. They wanted me to act differently, with other security measures. They wanted me to do it, so I have to do it. I do what they tell me," Trump stated aboard Air Force One. He was referring to events in Ankara on July 8, following the NATO summit.

The Washington Post and The New York Times reported that Trump was initially on Air Force One but was then secretly moved by the Secret Service to another military aircraft on the tarmac. This maneuver was reportedly due to intelligence suggesting a potential attack by Iran, with whom the U.S. was in conflict.

When questioned about the Secret Service's request to switch planes, Trump emphasized the constant threats faced by presidents. "I receive many threats that you do not know about. Any important president receives many threats. Presidents who are not important do not receive threats. And I think I am the one who gets the most. No one has done more than me in almost six years," he said. He also suggested that the Air Force One, which carried journalists and White House staff, might have been used as a decoy, stating, "The plane I flew on was at greater risk. I think that would be the plane they would likely attack."