Trump secretly switched planes after Turkey visit

US President Donald Trump secretly switched planes when departing Turkiye after attending the NATO summit last month, with the US Air Force One used as a diversion as part of a security operation, The Washington Post reported on Monday (10/8).

According to the report, Trump was initially seen boarding Air Force One at an airport in Ankara, but was later moved to a smaller Air Force C-32A aircraft through a highly classified scheme.

The manoeuvre was designed to conceal the actual travel route and enhance security, according to the newspaper.

The Washington Post reported that the transfer involved Trump leaving the aircraft via a catering truck before being taken to the alternative plane.

Several White House staff and journalists travelling with the presidential entourage were reportedly unaware of the switch at the time.

The operation was carried out after Trump attended the NATO summit in Ankara and amid growing security concerns surrounding the president’s foreign travel, the report said.

The White House defended the measures, stating that protecting the president requires the implementation of various security protocols, including steps aimed at avoiding attention to his movements.

The incident also renewed attention on the security features of aircraft used for presidential travel.

Trump arrived in Turkiye aboard a newly modified Boeing 747 provided by Qatar, but chose a different aircraft when leaving the country.

The White House has not released detailed information about the operation, citing security considerations.

The unusual aircraft switch demonstrates the extensive precautionary measures taken by US authorities to protect the president during international travel.