Trump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threat

President Donald Trump disclosed on Tuesday that he had changed aircraft while departing a NATO summit in Turkey due to a potential threat. According to the president, officials from the Secret Service and military advised him to board a different plane. Trump stated that he complied with their instructions. The switch occurred on July 8th after Trump was initially seen boarding Air Force One in front of cameras.

He was then transferred to a military aircraft via a catering truck, which raised concerns about the safety of those left behind. US intelligence sources indicated a credible threat from Iran, while Trump claimed he faced numerous threats during the summit. Journalists and some White House staff were unaware of the secret transfer and were instructed to keep their window shades closed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also traveled on the alternative aircraft to maintain the appearance of normality. The switch occurred a day after the US resumed military strikes on Iran following the collapse of talks aimed at ending the conflict. Trump had arrived in Turkey aboard a newer Boeing 747-8 provided by Qatar, but opted to leave on the older Air Force One for nostalgia's sake.