According to the Saudi Gazette, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was moved from Air Force One to a different aircraft following a NATO summit held in Turkey last month. The President stated that the decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service and military officials due to a potential security threat. Trump noted that he followed the instructions provided by his security detail, emphasizing that he must defer to their expertise in such situations.
The confirmation follows widespread reporting regarding the unusual nature of the departure. Reports indicate that the President initially boarded Air Force One in view of media cameras on July 8, before being transported via a catering truck to a separate military aircraft. This 'shell game' tactic was reportedly employed to ensure the President's safety amid concerns over a credible threat, which some reports have linked to tensions with Iran.
Addressing concerns regarding the safety of those who remained on the primary aircraft, President Trump suggested that the decoy plane may have actually been at greater risk. He remarked that the decoy would likely have been the primary target for any hostile actors. The incident highlights the high-stakes security measures currently surrounding the President as tensions in the region remain elevated. The White House has not provided further details on the specific nature of the threat, citing ongoing security protocols.
The core event—President Trump switching planes after a NATO summit due to security concerns—is corroborated by multiple trusted wire reports. While the Saudi Gazette report adds specific details regarding the location and the nature of the decoy maneuver, these align with the broader verified accounts of the incident.
Original report: Saudi Gazette