Washington Post: Trump moved to secret plane in Ankara over Iran assassination threat
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The Washington Post reports that President Donald Trump was secretly moved to a military aircraft during his departure from Ankara on July 8, after U.S. intelligence received a credible assassination threat from Iran. Trump had publicly boarded Air Force One, but was then taken via a catering truck to a C-32A plane, while the presidential jet flew as a decoy with journalists and staff. Some White House aides and reporters on board were unaware of the switch.
The Public Boarding
Trump arrived in Ankara on a new Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, but announced he would fly to the UK on the older Air Force One, saying he wanted to show the new plane to troops there. On July 8, cameras filmed him boarding the blue-and-white presidential jet at Ankara Airport. The White House publicly framed the switch as a nostalgic gesture.
The Catering Truck Transfer
Minutes after the public boarding, Trump and select top aides were moved to the plane's other side, where a catering truck's lift hoisted them up to the aircraft door. From inside the truck, they were driven to a nearby C-32A military aircraft, a modified Boeing 757. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the C-32A separately to avoid suspicion.
The Unaware Passengers
The old Air Force One then departed with journalists and White House staff, most of whom believed the president was still aboard. Some aides were also unaware of the switch. Reporters were instructed to keep window curtains closed during the flight. The C-32A flew Trump to the UK while the decoy jet continued on its route.
What's Next
The White House has not commented on the reported operation. It remains unclear whether the threat has been fully neutralized or if additional security measures will be implemented for Trump's future travel.
9 sources
Washington Post: Trump moved to secret plane in Ankara over Iran assassination threat
