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Trump says Secret Service directed secret flight change, claims alternative plane faced 'greater risk'
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Conflict & Security

Trump says Secret Service directed secret flight change, claims alternative plane faced 'greater risk'

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • President Donald Trump stated he secretly switched planes in Turkey last month on Secret Service orders due to an Iranian assassination threat.
  • He claimed the plane he ultimately used was at greater risk than Air Force One.
  • Trump asserted he followed Secret Service directives, downplaying concerns about the deception.

President Donald Trump revealed he secretly changed aircraft in Turkey last month, a move he attributes to directives from the U.S. Secret Service amidst an alleged Iranian assassination threat. The clandestine switch occurred after a NATO summit in Ankara, with Trump reportedly transferred from Air Force One to a military plane via a catering truck.

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

— Donald TrumpTrump's response when asked about the secret plane change and potential risks.

This change in travel plans was not publicly disclosed and remained secret until The Washington Post reported it, citing unnamed sources. The operation has drawn scrutiny from media commentators who questioned the potential risks posed to aides and journalists traveling with the president on the alternative aircraft.

Trump, however, suggested that the plane he ultimately flew on was actually at greater risk. "I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk," Trump told reporters. "I think it was at greater risk because that would be the plane I think that they would be more likely to go for." He emphasized that his actions were solely in accordance with Secret Service and military guidance.

Well, it’s only up to Secret Service. I just follow what they’d like to do, so I go by Secret Service and the military.

— Donald TrumpTrump explaining his compliance with the Secret Service's directives.

The White House had initially stated that Trump was traveling aboard Air Force One from Turkey to Britain. However, reports indicate that moments after boarding, Trump exited the aircraft via a catering truck to board a different plane. This occurred as tensions escalated with Iran, a country bordering Turkey, and shortly after a newly renovated Qatari-donated jet, intended for Trump's use, had undergone rapid upgrades, raising questions about its security and cost.

I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats.

— Donald TrumpTrump commenting on the nature of the threat that prompted the plane switch.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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