- Following a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump was transferred from Air Force One to a military plane via a catering truck in an extraordinary deception prompted by an Iranian assassination threat, U.S. media reported.
- The White House did not disclose the change, and it remained a secret until The Washington Post first reported it on Monday.
- Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he secretly switched planes at the Secret Service's direction, saying the plane he flew on was at greater risk.
- The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Trump was accompanied by several close aides when he secretly transferred to a smaller military aircraft in Turkey last month, including Dan Scavino, Natalie Harp, and Walt Nauta, along with several lower-profile aides.
- Trump said the plane he flew on was at greater risk, because that would be the plane they would be more likely to go for.
- Trump said he was following the direction of the Secret Service, and that he didn't ask much about the threat, saying he gets a lot of threats.
- Some media commentators questioned whether the operation left Trump’s aides and journalists traveling with him at risk aboard the plane presumed to be carrying the president.
- No Cabinet officials joined Trump in the truck, according to the newspaper.
President Donald Trump disclosed that he was moved from Air Force One to a military plane in Turkey last month due to an Iranian assassination threat, a decision made by the Secret Service. The transfer was executed using a catering truck, keeping the operation under wraps until The Washington Post reported it.1278
Trump stated, “I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” suggesting that the military aircraft was more vulnerable than Air Force One. He was accompanied by aides including Dan Scavino and Natalie Harp, but no Cabinet officials were present during the transfer.3456910
The White House did not initially disclose the plane switch, raising concerns among media commentators about the safety of aides and journalists who remained on the presumed presidential aircraft. Trump remarked, “Well, it’s only up to Secret Service. I just follow what they’d like to do.” He acknowledged the existence of threats but did not inquire further, stating, “I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats.”
The operation highlights the complexities and risks involved in presidential security, especially in foreign territories where threats may be more pronounced.
“The transfer occurred after a NATO summit in Ankara, with Trump accompanied by close aides including Dan Scavino, Natalie Harp, and Walt Nauta. Trump said he didn't ask much about the threat, noting he gets a lot of threats.”
Military Times
