President Trump secretly switched aircraft in Turkey, boarding a Boeing C-32 (a military 757) instead of Air Force One for his return journey from a NATO summit.
This highly secretive maneuver, which involved a complex ruse to mislead reporters and some White House staff, was reportedly in response to a direct threat on his life from Iran.
The incident suggests an especially credible threat, building on prior speculation about the defensive capabilities of the new Air Force One amidst ongoing U.S. tensions with Iran.
President Donald Trump secretly exited Air Force One and boarded a different military aircraft before beginning his journey back from a NATO summit in Turkey in July, according to aWashington Postreport.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper said the switch-up was prompted by a threat on the president’s life from Iran.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
