Trump reportedly hid in catering truck to evade 'dangerous flight'

In July, US President Donald Trump embarked on a clandestine military flight from Türkiye, according to US media reports. The White House had initially claimed he was flying aboard Air Force One. The operation, triggered by an Iranian assassination threat against the president, involved hiding him in an airport catering truck, the Washington Post reported.

Trump, who had taken the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet to Ankara for the NATO summit, unexpectedly switched to an older Air Force One for departure, raising questions about the security of the newer plane, which was the first international travel for it. Before departing Ankara, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would use an older baby blue Air Force One for a nostalgic flight to RAF Mildenhall in Britain, while the new plane remained at the same base for U.S. service members to inspect.

The deception plan, confirmed by a US official to the New York Times, was set into motion after the credible threat. Some media personnel and White House staff, believing they were traveling with Trump on the older Air Force One, were directed to keep their window shades closed during the flight. When reporters inquired about the tactic, Trump responded, "But if I go, you go.

Right?" The C-32A carrying Trump flew to Britain and arrived around 10:20pm, while the older Air Force One and media followed shortly after. The White House, in a statement by Communications Director Steve Cheung, stated that the Qatari-donated plane had been equipped with high-level security protocols to ensure the president's and staff's safety, emphasizing the need to address potential threats.