US President Donald Trump reportedly made a discreet switch to a smaller military aircraft while leaving Turkey after the NATO summit, amid heightened tensions with Iran.
A report by The Washington Post claimed that Trump was secretly moved from an airport catering truck to an Air Force C-32A after he had already been seen boarding an older Air Force One in Ankara. The move was reportedly part of a security arrangement designed to keep his actual travel plans confidential.
Why Did Trump Change Aircraft in Turkey?
Trump had arrived in Ankara aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. The trip marked the first international journey of the new aircraft.
However, he did not use the newly acquired plane for his departure from Turkey. Instead, after appearing to board the older Air Force One in front of cameras, Trump was reportedly taken in an airport catering vehicle to a smaller C-32A aircraft.
The Washington Post cited a US official familiar with the operation and another individual familiar with the President’s travel arrangements.
The C-32A is a military aircraft used for transporting senior US government officials.
Trump’s Actual Aircraft Was Kept Secret
The reported switch meant that journalists and other personnel travelling with the President believed that Trump was on the older Air Force One.
The smaller military aircraft later travelled to Britain and arrived at RAF Mildenhall at around 10:20 pm. The older Air Force One carrying the media and other personnel reached the same location only a few minutes later.
The operation reportedly took place while tensions with Iran were rising. Turkey’s geographical location, with Iran sharing its eastern border, added to the security concerns surrounding Trump’s visit.
What Did Trump Say About His Return From Ankara?
Before the reported flight arrangement came to light, Trump had said on Truth Social that he would travel from Ankara to RAF Mildenhall aboard the older baby-blue Air Force One.
Trump described the decision as being “for old time’s sake”. He also said the newly renovated aircraft would stop at the British base so US service members stationed there could get an opportunity to see the aircraft.
However, the reported use of the C-32A was not mentioned publicly at that time.
White House Cites Security Concerns
The White House did not directly address the details of the reported aircraft switch. Instead, Communications Director Steve Cheung issued a statement saying that the Qatari-donated aircraft had been equipped with high-level security protocols to protect Trump and his staff.
Cheung referred to Trump’s recent warnings about threats against him and said the administration uses every available measure to deal with potential dangers.
The same statement was reportedly provided to The Washington Post when it sought a response about the secret flight.
Pentagon Yet to Respond
The Pentagon had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reported use of the C-32A and the security arrangements surrounding Trump’s departure from Turkey.
The reported operation has attracted attention because Trump was publicly seen boarding one aircraft while reportedly travelling on another.
The incident also highlights the additional security measures surrounding the US President’s overseas travel at a time when tensions involving Iran remain a major concern.