WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the Secret Service ordered a surprise aircraft change during his departure from Turkey last month.
Trump said the decision followed security concerns linked to a potential Iranian threat. He added that his originally planned aircraft could have faced a “greater risk” and said he does not trust Iran.
Trump publicly boarded Air Force One after the NATO summit in Ankara. However, security officials later transferred him to a smaller C-32A military aircraft.
Video shows the airport catering truck used in a secret operation to move President Trump from Air Force One to another U.S. government plane amid a credible Iranian threat last month.
The truck can be seen pulling away from Air Force One after the president had boarded the… pic.twitter.com/IwJTaWlmSb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 11, 2026
Covert Operation Concealed Trump’s Movements
According to reports, authorities used an airport catering truck to conceal Trump’s transfer between aircraft.
Journalists and some White House staff reportedly believed Trump remained aboard Air Force One. Reporters were also instructed to keep their window shades closed during the operation.
Trump said he followed the Secret Service’s instructions and did not question the decision.
The operation reportedly reflected heightened concerns about potential Iranian threats against the US president. Trump’s comments have now confirmed key details surrounding the previously undisclosed security measure.
The unusual transfer has attracted attention because presidential movements normally receive extensive media and security coverage.
Moreover, the episode highlights the heightened security environment surrounding Trump amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The covert switch also demonstrated the lengths security officials can take to protect the president’s movements.
For a US president whose travel plans typically receive close scrutiny, the secret transfer from Air Force One to another aircraft represented an unusual security operation.
