WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump has revealed that he secretly switched aircraft in Turkey last month following instructions from the US Secret Service, amid an alleged Iranian assassination threat.
The unusual security operation took place after the NATO summit in Ankara, when Trump was reportedly moved from Air Force One to a military aircraft through a catering truck. The covert transfer was not publicly disclosed at the time and remained unknown until The Washington Post reported the operation earlier this week.
Trump later acknowledged the aircraft switch, saying the plane he ultimately boarded may have been more vulnerable than the aircraft that was publicly believed to be carrying him.
“I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” Trump told reporters, explaining that adversaries might have been more likely to target the aircraft they believed was carrying the president.
The secret operation also sparked discussion after social media users circulated memes portraying Trump as hiding inside a catering truck. Trump defended the decision, saying he simply followed security instructions from the Secret Service and the military.
“I just follow what they’d like to do,” Trump said, adding that he was aware of a potential threat but did not ask for extensive details.
The White House had initially indicated that Trump was traveling from Turkey to Britain aboard Air Force One. According to reports, however, Trump left the aircraft shortly after boarding and was transferred through the catering vehicle before departing on another plane.
The security move came after Trump traveled to Ankara aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar for the NATO summit. He had unexpectedly announced that he would use an older Air Force One for his return journey, raising questions about the security of the newer aircraft.
Trump’s visit to the NATO summit marked the first international trip involving the newly renovated plane. The aircraft’s rapid upgrades had already attracted scrutiny over its cost and security arrangements.
The reported aircraft switch occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Iran’s proximity to Turkey adding to security concerns surrounding Trump’s visit.
