Washington:
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he secretly switched aircraft while leaving Turkey last month following a credible assassination threat from Iran. Responding to questions from reporters Trump said he acted on the advice of the Secret Service and the military stating, “I just follow what they’d like to do. So I go by Secret Service.. The military.”
The covert operation, first reported by The Washington Post and later confirmed by US news outlets took place on July 8 as Trump was departing Ankara after attending the NATO leaders summit.
How the Secret Operation Unfolded
Trump had publicly announced he would leave Turkey aboard the legacy Air Force One “for old times sake ” having arrived in the country on the newer Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8. He was seen boarding the legacy aircraft in front of television cameras creating the impression that he would depart on it.
However Trump was then quietly moved via an airport catering truck to a military jet, an Air Force C-32A while the original plane carrying journalists and White House staff took off as a decoy under the Air Force One call sign. Reporters travelling on the decoy aircraft were reportedly asked to keep their window shades closed throughout the flight. Were unaware they were not travelling with the president.
Why the Switch Was Necessary
According to CBS News US intelligence had detected a plot to target the aircraft carrying Trump as he left Ankara prompting the ruse. Trump had earlier described himself as Irans “number one target” during the NATO summit referencing the tensions following US strikes on Iranian military and political targets.
Asked why it was necessary for him to switch planes while staff and journalists remained on the aircraft Trump defended the decision telling reporters that the plane he ultimately flew on was, in his words at greater risk.
White House Response
White House communications director Steven Cheung did not directly confirm details of the operation. Defended the security of the aircraft stating that it is fitted with high-level security protocols to ensure the safety of the president and his staff. He added that the administration uses every tool to address threats against the president.
The newer Air Force One, which debuted this year was reportedly sent for additional security upgrades after questions were raised about its protective features.
Reaction and Security Questions
The revelation has triggered debate over the transparency of the operation with some journalists questioning whether those aboard the decoy aircraft were placed at risk if Iran believed Trump was travelling with them. While some supporters praised the Secret Services handling of the threat critics have raised concerns about press and staff safety during the maneuver.
Trump switched back to the aircraft after reaching a refuelling stop, in the United Kingdom.
