Trump boarded secret Turkey flight via catering truck due to Iran threat – media

U.S. President Donald Trump took a secret military flight from Turkey in September due to an Iranian assassination threat, according to the Washington Post. The White House initially claimed Trump was flying on Air Force One to Britain after the NATO summit in Turkey. However, shortly after boarding the plane, Trump secretly transferred to another aircraft via a catering truck and continued on to Britain.

The New York Times also reported the same story based on unnamed sources. The secret flight was prompted by concerns about Iran's threat to Trump's security, following his unexpected switch from a newly renovated Qatari-donated jet to an older Air Force One for the NATO summit. The deception operation involved Trump boarding the older plane in front of cameras, then being secretly moved to a smaller Air Force C-32A by airport catering truck.

The press, White House staff, and some U.S. officials were unaware of the switch and were told to keep their window shades closed during the flight, as described by Trump. The C-32A carrying Trump arrived in Britain around 10:20 p.m., while the older Air Force One and media arrived minutes later. Trump was reportedly seen waving to the press and greeting service members before boarding the new Qatari-donated plane.

The White House stated that the Qatari-donated jet has high-level security protocols to ensure the president's safety.