Trump Secretly Switched Planes at NATO Summit Over Iran Threat: Report
US President Donald Trump secretly departed the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, aboard an alternate military aircraft while the White House maintained the appearance he was travelling on Air Force One, The Washington Post reported. The operation was prompted by an Iranian assassination threat against Trump.
After boarding Air Force One in full view of cameras, Trump was discreetly transferred to a smaller military C-32A using an airport catering truck. Journalists and White House staff members were led to believe they were travelling on the same aircraft as the President during his return journey to Washington. The report was based on material reviewed by the Post, statements from a US official familiar with the operation, and another person with knowledge of Trump's travel.
Trump had initially travelled to the summit aboard a new aircraft gifted by Qatar. Before departing, he announced he would fly home on an older Air Force One, stating the new aircraft would be flown out separately so US troops in eastern England could view it.
