New Delhi: US President Donald Trump was secretly moved onto a military aircraft during his departure from Turkey last month after security concerns linked to threats from Iran, according to a report that has raised fresh questions about presidential travel arrangements.
Trump had travelled to Ankara for the NATO summit aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. However, when he left Turkey, he publicly boarded an older Air Force One aircraft in front of cameras, creating the impression that he would continue his journey on that plane.
The reported security operation took a different course. After Trump boarded the older aircraft, he was allegedly transferred in an airport catering truck to a smaller US military aircraft, a C-32A. The plane then flew separately to Britain, where it arrived at RAF Mildenhall shortly before the older Air Force One and the accompanying media contingent.
The unusual arrangement reportedly came as tensions with Iran were escalating. Turkey shares a border with Iran, adding to concerns surrounding the president’s security during the NATO trip.
Trump had previously indicated that he would use the older blue and white Air Force One aircraft for the journey from Ankara to Britain. At the time, the newer aircraft was also scheduled to stop at the British air base, allowing US service members stationed there to tour the plane.
The revelation of the additional flight has raised questions about why the president’s location and aircraft were concealed from journalists travelling with his delegation.
The White House defended the security measures, saying the Qatari donated aircraft had been equipped with extensive security systems designed to protect the president and his staff. It also pointed to the existence of threats against Trump and said the administration uses available measures to address such risks.
The Pentagon had not immediately provided a response to questions about the reported secret flight.
The episode highlights the increasingly complex security arrangements surrounding presidential travel as the United States faces heightened tensions with Iran and other geopolitical threats.
