Trump Secretly Switched Planes in Turkey Amid Reported Iran Threat

U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly made a secret aircraft switch in Türkiye last month, a maneuver reportedly prompted by an Iranian assassination threat. While the White House publicly stated he was traveling aboard Air Force One, The Washington Post reported that Trump had actually transferred to a smaller Air Force C-32A aircraft.

“

you're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags that we have to deal with.

The incident occurred on July 7-8 during Trump's visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, following renewed U.S. strikes on Iran. According to the report, Trump initially boarded an older Air Force One visible to television cameras before covertly moving to the C-32A, using an airport catering truck as cover. This operation was reportedly designed to obscure his whereabouts from the public, journalists, and even some White House personnel.

Three aircraft, including a new plane gifted by Qatar intended for future presidential use, later flew separately to the United Kingdom. The unusual security protocols were also evident in presidential travel pool reports, which instructed journalists to keep their window shades closed during the flight. Trump's arrival at RAF Mildenhall was notably swift after reporters were positioned below the aircraft.

“

But if I go, you go. Right?

Responding to the report, Trump alluded to the security threat, telling reporters, "you're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags that we have to deal with." He added, "But if I go, you go. Right?" White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the measures, stating the new aircraft was equipped with "high-level security protocols" to ensure the safety of the president and his staff, acknowledging that "many enemies of America" were targeting him.

“

As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats.