Trump Reveals Why He Secretly Changed Planes

News Desk

Washington: US President Donald Trump has revealed that the Secret Service ordered him to secretly switch aircraft in Turkey last month following an alleged Iranian assassination threat, saying the plane he ultimately boarded may have been even more exposed.

The unusual security operation took place after the Nato summit in Ankara, when Trump was reportedly moved from Air Force One to another military aircraft through a catering truck. The switch was kept out of public view, with details emerging only after a Washington Post report earlier this week.

The operation has since drawn attention over concerns that Trump’s aides and journalists may have remained aboard the aircraft that was publicly believed to be carrying the president, potentially making that plane a more attractive target.

Trump, however, said he believed the aircraft he personally travelled on was at greater risk because an attacker would be more likely to target the plane believed to be carrying him.

The president also dismissed questions about the secrecy surrounding the operation, saying he followed instructions from the Secret Service and the military.

“I guess there was a threat out there,” Trump told reporters, adding that he did not seek further details because he receives numerous threats.

The episode came during Trump’s first international trip aboard a newly renovated jet donated by Qatar. He had flown the aircraft to Ankara for the Nato summit but unexpectedly opted to depart Turkey aboard an older Air Force One, raising questions about the security considerations behind the decision.

The reported aircraft switch also comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Turkey sharing a border with Iran.

The security incident has added fresh scrutiny to the arrangements surrounding Trump’s international travel, particularly as questions remain over how officials balance presidential protection with the safety of those travelling alongside him.