US President Donald Trump reportedly made a secret aircraft switch after leaving a NATO summit in Turkey last month, following intelligence indicating a possible Iranian missile threat against his aircraft.
According to reports from The Washington Post and CBS News, Trump initially boarded Air Force One in full view of television cameras. He was then secretly moved to a smaller C-32A military aircraft, reportedly using an elevated catering truck to conceal the transfer.
Journalists and some White House staff travelling on the original presidential aircraft were reportedly unaware that Trump had left the plane. They were instructed to keep the aircraft’s window shades closed, while the plane continued flying under the “AF1” call sign to maintain the appearance that the president remained aboard.
Trump’s replacement aircraft used the call sign “Reach 18”.
The reported operation came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following the breakdown of negotiations and renewed US military strikes against Iran. US officials reportedly considered the threat against Trump or his aircraft credible.
Trump had previously said that Iran considered him its “number one target” and acknowledged the security concerns while speaking to reporters after the journey.
The president had travelled to Turkey aboard a newer Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar but had initially announced that he would leave on the older Air Force One aircraft. After the secret transfer, he travelled onward to the UK aboard the C-32A before eventually returning to the presidential aircraft.
The White House has not directly confirmed the reported plane swap. White House communications director Steven Cheung instead said the newer presidential aircraft was equipped with advanced security measures.
The security concerns have also raised questions about the $400 million Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, which is still undergoing modifications to prepare it for presidential use. Older Air Force One aircraft reportedly have systems designed to protect against incoming missiles, while the exact defensive capabilities of the newer aircraft remain unclear.
The Justice Department is separately investigating leaks concerning classified or sensitive information about the president’s security arrangements.
