Trump switches to older Air Force One leaving Turkey amid assassination threat rumors

President Donald Trump departed Turkey following the NATO summit using a less conspicuous, older model of Air Force One, a move that fueled speculation about potential assassination threats. Instead of the newly refurbished plane gifted by Qatar, Trump boarded a familiar baby-blue painted, older presidential aircraft for the flight to RAF Mildenhall in the UK.

When questioned about the change, Trump did not directly confirm security concerns but acknowledged the possibility of threats. "I'm number one on the assassination list. I don't know, I can't tell you, but I'm not afraid," he stated at a press conference after the summit. This decision came amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, a country bordering Turkey.

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I'm number one on the assassination list. I don't know, I can't tell you, but I'm not afraid.

Trump later addressed the situation on his social media platform, Truth Social, humorously attributing the switch to a desire for "nostalgia." He also mentioned that the new Qatari-gifted plane would be available for viewing by U.S. military personnel stationed at the UK base. Videos from Wednesday evening showed Trump boarding the newer, red, white, dark blue, and gold painted aircraft in Britain for his journey back to Washington.

U.S. presidential travel typically involves a backup aircraft, designated as Air Force One, on standby. The Air Force expedited the delivery of the new Qatari plane by bypassing some planned modifications intended for future presidential aircraft. Officials have assured that the aircraft meets presidential standards, despite the accelerated preparation.

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I chose to fly on the older Air Force One for nostalgia.