A credible and imminent threat of a shoulder-fired missile targeting the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, prompted the Secret Service to orchestrate a covert transfer of Donald Trump to a smaller government jet during his July visit to Turkey. The clandestine operation, designed to conceal the US president’s movements, occurred on the final day of his trip to Ankara for a NATO summit, a period marked by heightened tensions with Iran.

Secret Service Orchestrates Covert Aircraft Switch

The source, who was briefed on the matter, indicated that the intelligence regarding the missile threat emerged unexpectedly, leaving officials with limited time to devise a security plan. The Secret Service deemed the threat significant enough to warrant an extraordinary measure: moving the president without public knowledge. This involved a complex maneuver where Trump and a select group of aides were surreptitiously transferred from the large, distinctive presidential aircraft to a less conspicuous C-32A jet. The switch reportedly took place on July 8, utilizing a catering truck to facilitate the discreet movement of the president and his immediate team.

Following the transfer, Air Force One, now serving as a decoy, departed separately. Onboard this larger aircraft were senior administration officials, White House staff, and the traveling press corps. The smaller jet carrying Trump then proceeded with the flight out of Turkey. The source declined to specify the origin of the intelligence but emphasized the urgency and last-minute nature of the planning.

Trump Comments on the Aircraft Switch

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Donald Trump confirmed the aircraft switch, stating it was carried out at the direction of the Secret Service. He completed his journey from Ankara to a refueling stop in Britain without any reported incidents. Trump offered his perspective on the security situation, suggesting that the larger Air Force One might have been a more likely target for adversaries. “I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” he told reporters, without elaborating on the evidence for this assertion. “…it was at greater risk because that would be the plane I think that they would be more likely to go for.”

Understanding the Missile Threat

Experts suggest the potential threat could have involved a new generation of heat-seeking missiles. These weapons are designed to lock onto the intense heat emitted by aircraft engines, posing a growing concern for military planners. Douglas Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, explained that such missiles are particularly challenging to detect compared to traditional radar-guided threats. “can kind of come out of nowhere” because they do not emit detectable radio waves, making them a stealthier danger.

Precedent for Secret Travel and Heightened Security Concerns

While presidents have occasionally traveled under secrecy, particularly when visiting war zones or high-risk areas, these operations typically involve advance notification for the press contingent. However, the situation in Turkey presented a different scenario, with the Secret Service reportedly lacking the luxury of extensive planning time. The source described the agency as “scrambling to head off what they thought was a credible, imminent threat.”

The details of this operation were first reported by The Washington Post, more than a month after the event occurred. Separately, The New York Times reported that US officials had expressed alarm upon discovering that individuals associated with Iran were aware of Trump’s specific location in Ankara, including the hotel floor he was occupying. This revelation underscored the sensitive security environment surrounding the visit.

Key Figures Aboard Decoy Aircraft

The decoy Air Force One carried several high-profile individuals, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was reportedly briefed on the maneuver. Also on board were Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House communications director Steven Cheung, and a number of other aides. The typical 13-person press pool was also present on the decoy aircraft. Among those who made the covert move with Trump in the catering truck were White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, executive assistant Natalie Harp, and director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta, according to the source.

Security Considerations and Official Responses

The operation has led to questions from some media commentators and lawmakers regarding the potential risks posed to the aides and journalists traveling on the decoy plane, which was presumed to be carrying the president. The source maintained that the decision to maintain the secrecy of the ruse was made because it was deemed to be in Trump’s best interests, particularly given the escalating hostilities with Iran, which shares a border with Turkey. Turkish officials have not yet provided immediate comment on the alleged threat.

The incident highlights the complex and often unseen security measures undertaken to protect the US president, especially in volatile geopolitical regions. The need to balance presidential security with transparency, even for the traveling press, remains a constant challenge for agencies like the Secret Service.