President Donald Trump faced criticism following reports that he employed a clandestine maneuver to avoid a security threat during an international trip in July. According to The Washington Post and The New York Times, Trump altered his travel plans extensively on July 8 as he departed Ankara, Turkey, following a NATO summit.
Instead of directly boarding the presidential aircraft for his onward journey, Trump reportedly sent his newly acquired, Qatar-gifted jet ahead to a U.S. military base in the United Kingdom. He and a smaller contingent then boarded an older Air Force One. However, Trump did not depart on that plane. Reports indicate he concealed himself within a catering container truck, which transported him to a third aircraft, a U.S. military C-32A. Meanwhile, the press corps and some staff remained aboard the initial Air Force One, under the impression that the president was still with them.
Once all three aircraft were on the ground in the U.K., Trump is said to have rejoined the older Air Force One, exiting it later as if he had been aboard throughout the flight. The group then proceeded to the Qatar-gifted jet for the remainder of the journey to the United States.
This elaborate deception was reportedly not disclosed to the media present on the plane. Trump later alluded to the flight's secrecy when reporters questioned why window shades had been kept down during their time in Turkey. He reportedly described it as a "dangerous flight" due to threats from Iran, adding, "But if I go, you go. Right? So perhaps someday you want to change professions."
Critics condemned the president's actions, alleging that he endangered the press and other personnel by using them as a decoy while he personally evaded the perceived threat. Social media commentary from figures such as Amy McGrath and Dean Obeidallah highlighted concerns about the recklessness of placing others at risk. One tweet from "Angry Staffer" described the situation as "sick shit" for leaving Air Force One crew and the press pool to potentially serve as decoys. Another post humorously contrasted historical figures leading military actions with Trump's reported use of a catering cart to evade danger.
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