Trump changes aircraft in Turkey after US officials cite credible threat
U.S. officials warned President Donald Trump of a credible threat from Iranian proxy forces, prompting him to switch from a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 to the older Air Force One before leaving Turkey.
President Donald Trump departed Ankara on a Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8 during the NATO summit, but switched to the older Air Force One for the return flight after U.S. officials identified a credible threat from Iranian proxy forces. Anonymous sources cited by the New York Times said the Secret Service advised the change, noting that intelligence indicated the threat was aimed at Trump personally rather than the specific aircraft.
Trump acknowledged that the donated jet lacks the advanced defensive systems of the legacy plane and had previously urged its rapid deployment. The White House has not commented on the incident. Earlier reporting noted that the president described the aircraft swap as “for old time’s sake” and mentioned unscheduled stops at RAF Mildenhall before returning to the United States.
The report also references Trump’s prior statements about Iranian threats to his life and his willingness to consider heightened military action against Iran and its regional allies. He told reporters that the United States is “talking to them” and that the administration is “locked and loaded,” though he left open the possibility of diplomatic negotiations.