TIMELINE: Trump's elaborate covert exit from Turkey amid Iranian threat
In Turkey, Trump said the change in plane had nothing to do with security concerns, though he also reiterated that he's "number one on the kill list for Iran.”
On July 6, President Donald Trump departed from Joint Base Andrews en route to Turkey for a NATO summit. Upon arrival in Ankara on July 7, Trump engaged in a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which he threatened Iran, stating that they were on his "kill list" and had targeted him. Despite concerns about Iran's intentions, Trump insisted on traveling on the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One, which was spotted leaving the country without him.
The traveling press, including members of the White House staff, were transferred to a catering truck, which was soon detached from the aircraft. The traditional Air Force One departed Turkey for the United Kingdom at 8:43 p.m. local time, while Trump boarded the catering truck and was seen disembarking the new Qatari-gifted jet at 10:56 p.m. local time in Mildenhall, United Kingdom.
Moments later, he returned to the new aircraft and departed for the United States at 11:14 p.m. local time, claiming there were no security concerns.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News (US)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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