Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Tuesday, 11 August 2026 Reading Room

World

Why the elaborate ruse Trump used in Turkey isn’t like other secret presidential trips

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidents have taken secret overseas trips in the past for security reasons, with schedules and logistics kept…

apnews.com ·

President Donald Trump's secret overseas trip to Turkey in July 2026, following a NATO summit, has been described as unprecedented in its complexity and level of concealment. Unlike other covert presidential trips, Trump's route included an elaborate ruse that involved stowing away in an airport catering container to switch planes while Air Force One, carrying White House officials, security personnel, and reporters, served as a decoy.

This tactic was employed in case Iran followed through on a credible threat of an attack. Upon landing in Britain, Trump seamlessly transferred back onto the presidential plane, dismissing concerns about potential danger. White House officials have not denied these reports, and according to Garrett M. Graff, author of "Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die," this level of secrecy in presidential travel has not been observed before, even in today's era of heightened security measures.

Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at apnews.com →

More in World

The Yemeni Civil War, a Black Hole of Middle East Conflict, is on the Brink of Full-Blown Recurrence, with Fierce Competition for Control The situation in Yemen is rapidly deteriorating, with the country teetering on the edge of a full-scale conflict. The Houthi rebels, who control large swaths of northern Yemen, have been locked in a fierce battle with the Saudi-backed government. The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, with many more facing severe food and medicine shortages. Despite a fragile truce, the two sides are engaging in intense negotiations, with each trying to gain the upper hand. The Yemeni government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, is desperate to regain control of the country. The Houthis, on the other hand, are determined to maintain their grip on power. The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the situation, with the United Nations warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict in Yemen has already had far-reaching consequences, with many countries in the region feeling the impact. The Yemeni Civil War has become a proxy conflict, with Saudi Arabia and Iran backing opposing sides. The situation is further complicated by the presence of extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda. The international community is urging restraint, but it remains to be seen whether a peaceful resolution can be found. The conflict in Yemen is a complex and multifaceted issue, with deep-rooted historical and cultural factors at play. A lasting solution will require a comprehensive approach, addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. For now, the situation remains volatile, with the country on the brink of a full-blown conflict. The international community can only watch with bated breath as the situation continues to unfold.

·hani.co.kr

More from Tuesday 11 August →