Trump’s secret departure from Turkey involved a decoy flight and older Air Force One
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U.S. officials confirmed that President Trump was moved from Ankara to the U.K. on a military C-32 aircraft before boarding an older Air Force One, a maneuver described as a security measure amid heightened tensions with Iran.
President Donald Trump left Ankara, Turkey, on a military C-32 aircraft on July 8, then boarded an older Air Force One for the flight to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, according to a U.S. official familiar with the operation. The Washington Post reported that a catering truck was used to transfer the president from the C-32 to the older jet, a detail later confirmed by the official.
White House communications director Steven Cheung said the newer Air Force One, a Qatar-donated Boeing 747, is equipped with “high-level security protocols” but did not dispute the report of the secretive transfer. The U.S. Air Force issued a statement that the newer aircraft is “safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission.”
Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal, called for a briefing on the security threats that prompted the maneuver and the precautions taken for personnel on both aircraft. The Secret Service has not responded to requests for comment.
During the flight, journalists traveling with the president were instructed to lower their window shades, and Trump later described the situation as a “dangerous flight” due to perceived threats. He reiterated that he faces ongoing threats and that the decision to use the older plane was based on security considerations, not technical issues with the newer jet.
The operation mirrors past presidential security measures, such as the undisclosed relocation of President George W. Bush after the September 11 attacks and the use of unmarked aircraft during President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to Pakistan.