WASHINGTON(Reuters): US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he secretly switched aircraft during his visit to Türkiye last month following a security assessment by the US Secret Service, saying the decision was made in response to an alleged Iranian assassination threat.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said the decision was entirely handled by the Secret Service and the US military, adding that he simply followed their recommendations.
“Well, it’s only up to the Secret Service. I just follow what they’d like to do, so I go by Secret Service and the military,” Trump said.
The covert operation reportedly took place after the NATO summit in Ankara. According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded Air Force One before secretly exiting the aircraft through a catering truck and transferring to a separate US military plane for the flight to Britain. The White House did not disclose the aircraft change at the time, and journalists, White House staff and other officials continued travelling on the aircraft believed to be carrying the president.
The operation remained undisclosed until The Washington Post revealed details earlier this week, citing unnamed officials familiar with the security arrangements.
Did the Alternate Aircraft Increase Security Risks?
Trump argued that the military aircraft he ultimately used may have been more vulnerable than Air Force One, suggesting it could have been a more likely target.
“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,” he said.
The president also dismissed criticism surrounding his concealed transfer in a catering truck, which became the subject of widespread social media memes portraying him as hiding from potential threats. Trump maintained that he did not question the security measures, saying he trusted the professionals responsible for his protection.
“I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats,” he said.
Trump had travelled to Ankara aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar, marking its first international trip. However, before departing Türkiye, he unexpectedly announced he would instead use an older Air Force One, prompting questions about the security and readiness of the Qatari-donated jet.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions with Iran, which shares a border with Türkiye, and follows growing concerns over threats against senior US officials. The White House has not publicly commented on the specific intelligence that prompted the unusual security operation.