Before Trump’s Turkey plane swap, how Clinton used decoy to land in Pak 26 years ago

In March 2000, former US President Bill Clinton visited Islamabad, Pakistan. To ensure his safety and ease of passage for journalists, a decoy aircraft with Air Force One markings arrived, followed by a Secret Service agent mimicking Clinton. An unmarked aircraft subsequently landed, transporting the president, who exited the plane unseen by the media.

Susan Page, a White House reporter for USA Today, was briefed on the operation off-the-record while waiting for Clinton's flight from India to Pakistan. The briefing provided journalists with knowledge of Clinton's location and the heightened security measures in place to protect them both. This information was crucial for fostering the public's trust in the press corps' ability to report on the president's journey.

In a similar situation in 2024, President Donald Trump faced potential threats while exiting Turkey. The White House discreetly relocated him to a smaller, unmarked aircraft using an airport catering truck, while the majority of the press and staff remained on the original Air Force One. The operation was prompted by credible threats and executed with the assistance of Secret Service and military personnel.

The press was instructed to keep their window shades lowered, maintaining the element of surprise. Trump acknowledged the move, stating he followed directives from the Secret Service and military due to the perceived greater risk on his initial aircraft.