Trump says ‘secret plane switch’ in Turkey left him at greater risk

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he may have faced a greater security risk after secretly switching aircraft during a visit to Turkey last month, saying the decision was made on the advice of the Secret Service.

Trump was transferred from Air Force One to another military aircraft following the NATO summit in Ankara, reportedly as a precaution after an Iranian assassination threat. The unusual switch was carried out discreetly, with Trump leaving Air Force One through a catering truck before boarding the second aircraft.

The move remained undisclosed until it was reported by the Washington Post earlier this week. White House staff and journalists travelling with Trump remained aboard the aircraft believed to be carrying the president.

Asked about the security implications of the operation, Trump said the aircraft he actually travelled on could have been a more likely target.

“I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” Trump told reporters, explaining that an adversary would probably target the aircraft it believed was carrying him.

Trump said he had followed instructions from the Secret Service and military officials, adding that he did not seek extensive details about the threat.

“I just follow what they’d like to do,” he said, noting that he receives numerous threats.

The White House had initially said Trump was travelling from Turkey to Britain aboard Air Force One. However, according to the Washington Post, he left the presidential aircraft shortly after boarding and was secretly moved to another plane.

The episode came during Trump’s first international trip aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. He had flown the jet to Ankara for the NATO summit but unexpectedly opted to return to Britain on an older Air Force One.

The decision had already raised questions over the security of the newly upgraded aircraft, particularly as tensions between the United States and Iran were escalating. Turkey shares a border with Iran.

Trump’s secret transfer also generated considerable attention online, including memes portraying the president as hiding inside a catering vehicle. The president’s comments appeared to confirm that the unusual manoeuvre was part of a deliberate security operation rather than a spontaneous change of travel plans.