President Donald Trump participated in a clandestine departure from Turkey to the United Kingdom in early July, utilizing a catering food truck and a military aircraft to conceal his movements amid reported threats from Iran. The operation was conducted without the knowledge of the traveling press corps or some White House officials who were aboard the customary Air Force One.
Sources indicated that Trump did not travel on either his older Air Force One or the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, which serves as a "bridge" Air Force One. Instead, he secretly boarded an Air Force C-32A military jet to leave the international summit in Ankara. Trump later stated to reporters that the decision was made by the Secret Service and the military, and that he was at "greater risk" on the secret flight.
Timeline of Departure
The sequence of events leading to Trump's covert departure began on July 6, when the truce between the U.S. and Iran fractured, leading to renewed attacks. Trump departed Joint Base Andrews that evening on the Qatari-gifted aircraft and landed in Ankara on July 7 for a NATO summit.
During the summit on July 8, Trump engaged in meetings and spoke with reporters, mentioning Iranian threats. He referred to Iranians as "scum" and suggested they would target him, stating, "They want to take out the U.S. leader -- me. I'm on every list." He also commented on the dangerous nature of the presidency and his perceived position on Iranian hit lists.
Later that day, the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One was observed leaving Turkey without the president. Trump announced via social media that he was sending the new jet to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the U.K. for military personnel to "appreciate our beautiful new addition." He stated he would travel on the older Air Force One to meet them there.
When questioned by a reporter about security concerns related to Iran influencing his decision not to take the new aircraft, Trump acknowledged the danger of the presidency and reiterated that he was "number one on the kill list for Iran."
Trump boarded the older Air Force One in Ankara at 8:24 p.m. local time. The press pool, positioned further back in the motorcade, noted the rapid departure of the boarding stairs. According to detailed reports, after boarding, Trump was transferred to a catering cart, which was then seen departing the tarmac. The older Air Force One, carrying press and some staff, officially left Turkey at 8:43 p.m. local time, with instructions for the press to keep window shades closed.
The older aircraft landed at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the U.K. at 10:29 p.m. local time. Trump then reportedly switched planes for a third time, boarding the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One at 11:01 p.m. and departing for the United States at 11:14 p.m. He later posted a photo of military members posing in front of the new aircraft.
Post-Flight Statements and White House Response
Speaking to reporters before landing in the U.S., Trump denied that security concerns prompted his use of the older aircraft from Turkey to the U.K. However, he also alluded to potential dangers, stating that if asked to close windows, it would suggest a "dangerous flight."
Sources familiar with the plans told ABC News that the Secret Service had urged Trump to use the older aircraft out of caution amid the escalation with Iran. These officials noted that the decision was influenced by the security capabilities of the new aircraft rather than a specific, imminent threat.
The White House issued a statement on July 9, responding to reports about the Secret Service's recommendation. Communications director Steven Cheung stated that the administration uses "every tool at our disposal -- including distraction and misdirection -- to address those threats" from Iran. He emphasized that the new Air Force One is equipped with high-level security protocols and acknowledged that "there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him."