President Donald Trump stated there were "no issues" after reports surfaced alleging a covert operation involving a catering truck to move him from one aircraft to another, designed to thwart potential threats from Iran. The maneuver reportedly occurred as Trump was departing the NATO summit in Turkey.
According to The Washington Post, Trump was flown from Ankara on a separate military plane instead of the newer, Qatari-donated Air Force One he had used to arrive. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly boarded the C-32A plane on his own shortly after Trump's discreet transfer, a move intended to make the decoy flight appear routine to any observers.
Journalists and some White House staffers on board the older Air Force One model were reportedly unaware that Trump was not on that flight, believing him to be aboard as cameras rolled. Trump later rejoined the press-laden flight at a UK base.
When asked if a security concern had prompted the switch to the older Air Force One model, Trump responded, "No issues." He also suggested the elaborate maneuver was a public relations gesture to provide service members with a better view of the presidential jet, referencing a photo of service members with the plane.
However, when pressed about reporters being asked to lower their window shades, Trump suggested it was "because you're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleaze bags that we have to deal with." He added that he is "number one" on Iran's "list" and that if he were targeted, the press would be too.
The White House issued a statement asserting that the Qatari-donated aircraft is "secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies." However, reports from The New York Times indicated the new jet lacked crucial antimissile countermeasures present on older models. Trump confirmed the luxury plane had been temporarily grounded for about a month to be "maxed out" with enhanced protection, though he declined to specify the military upgrades.
This security scare followed a report by The New York Times about the Qatari jet's vulnerabilities. In response, FBI agents reportedly issued federal grand jury subpoenas to Times reporters. The Daily Mail also reported on a large banner displayed in Tehran featuring a caricature of Trump with a bullseye, along with the phrase "There will be blood."