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Donald Trump was reportedly smuggled from Air Force One to a smaller US Air Force C-32A aircraft through an airport catering vehicle after intelligence warned of a credible Iranian assassination threat.
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Journalists and some White House officials reportedly remained aboard the larger Air Force One, unaware that the president had already departed on another aircraft in an elaborate security deception.
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The incident has reignited questions over the defensive capabilities of the newly retrofitted Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, with reports suggesting it lacked the full suite of anti-missile systems carried by the older presidential jet.
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While declining to discuss operational details, the White House insists the new presidential aircraft is equipped with advanced security measures, stressing that every available tool is deployed to protect the commander-in-chief from evolving threats.
August 11, (THEWILL) — Fresh details have emerged about the extraordinary security measures taken to protect United States President Donald Trump during his recent trip to Turkey, with a report claiming he was secretly transferred from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft following intelligence of an alleged assassination threat linked to Iran.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the covert operation was carried out on July 8 as Trump departed Ankara after attending a NATO summit in Turkey. Citing an unnamed US official, the newspaper said the president initially boarded the presidential Air Force One before being discreetly moved through a catering container attached to the aircraft.
The container reportedly ferried Trump to a waiting US Air Force C-32A aircraft, which then flew him to the United Kingdom, while the larger Air Force One continued its journey, creating the impression that the president remained onboard.
The operation was reportedly concealed from journalists accompanying the presidential entourage and even from some government officials, underscoring the seriousness of the perceived threat.
The report said the elaborate deception followed intelligence warning of a possible assassination attempt against Trump allegedly linked to Iran.
Earlier reports by several American media organisations had suggested that security concerns were also behind Trump’s decision not to continue travelling aboard the newly acquired Boeing 747-8 presidential aircraft donated to the United States by Qatar.
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Trump had arrived in Turkey aboard the refurbished luxury jet but switched to an older Boeing 747 for the onward journey. At the time, he publicly explained that the change would allow US military personnel stationed at an airbase in Britain the opportunity to inspect the new aircraft.
However, multiple US media outlets, including The New York Times, later reported that intelligence concerning possible threats from Iranian proxy groups prompted the aircraft change instead.
Adding to the speculation, journalists travelling on the older aircraft were reportedly instructed to keep their window blinds closed throughout the flight—a security protocol generally reserved for operations in conflict or high-risk environments.
The latest revelations have intensified scrutiny of the Qatar-donated aircraft, with reports suggesting it lacks some of the sophisticated defensive capabilities installed on the long-serving presidential jets, particularly advanced anti-missile protection systems.
The luxury Boeing 747-8 was donated by Qatar’s royal family after Trump repeatedly criticised the condition and age of the two Boeing 747 aircraft that have served as Air Force One since 1990.
Following an accelerated retrofitting programme, the aircraft made its maiden presidential flight on July 1 to North Dakota before undertaking its first overseas mission to Turkey days later.
Responding to questions about the latest report, the White House defended the aircraft’s security credentials.
“The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff”, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement.
He added that, as Trump had repeatedly stated, numerous adversaries continued to target the US president, and the administration would continue deploying every available security measure to counter those threats.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
