US President Donald Trump’s secret aircraft switch in Ankara last month has drawn renewed attention after details emerged about which senior officials remained on the decoy plane and who accompanied the president on a smaller military aircraft.

Trump switched from the older Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft after US and Turkish intelligence agencies reportedly identified a credible threat from Iran following the NATO summit in Ankara.

While Trump left Turkey aboard the smaller aircraft, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained on the original plane, along with other senior White House officials and members of the travelling press.

Why Trump Switched Planes

The aircraft switch took place on July 8, following the NATO summit in Turkey.

According to reports, intelligence collected by the CIA and Turkey’s MIT indicated that Iran could potentially target Air Force One with a surface-to-air missile.

Reports also suggested that an Iranian-linked team operating in Turkey had been tasked with carrying out such an attack. Intelligence agencies had reportedly obtained information about Trump’s location in Ankara as well.

The security concerns prompted the Secret Service and US military to devise an elaborate deception operation.

Trump publicly boarded the older Air Force One, creating the impression that he would leave Turkey on that aircraft. He was then secretly transported to a military aircraft, reportedly using an airport catering vehicle as part of the operation.

Trump later confirmed that the decision was made because military and Secret Service officials wanted him to travel on a different aircraft.

Rubio and Bessent Stayed Behind

One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the decision to leave senior Cabinet officials Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent on the original aircraft.

According to reports, both officials knew that Trump was no longer aboard the plane. They remained there with Stephen Miller, the president’s top domestic policy adviser, and Steven Cheung, the White House communications director.

Travelling journalists and some White House staff members, however, were reportedly not informed about the deception.

Those aboard the decoy aircraft were also reportedly instructed to keep the window shades closed.

Maintaining Presidential Succession

Reports citing US officials said Rubio and Bessent were kept on the decoy aircraft partly to maintain the presidential line of succession.

Under US law, if the president dies or becomes incapacitated, the vice president is next in line, followed by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

The Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary follow further down the succession order.

By keeping senior officials on the decoy aircraft, officials could ensure that multiple people in the presidential line of succession were not travelling with Trump on the same aircraft.

Trump’s Close Aides Joined Him

Trump was accompanied on the smaller military aircraft by several close aides, including Dan Scavino, White House deputy chief of staff; Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office operations; and Natalie Harp, a 34-year-old executive assistant who has been nicknamed Trump’s “human printer”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also travelled with Trump aboard the smaller C-32A aircraft.

Harp frequently travels with Trump and is known for providing him with printed copies of news reports, social media posts and other material.

Scavino has been associated with Trump for many years, while Nauta, a former Navy culinary specialist and White House valet, has remained part of Trump’s close circle.

Questions Over the Decoy Plane

The aircraft switch has also triggered criticism over the decision to keep journalists and other personnel aboard the decoy aircraft without informing them of the potential threat.

Critics have questioned whether the operation unnecessarily exposed people on the original aircraft to danger while protecting the president.

Trump, however, has defended the decision, arguing that the aircraft he boarded may actually have faced greater risk because an attacker would have been more likely to target the plane believed to be carrying the president.

Former US intelligence and national security officials have also debated whether the same security objective could have been achieved without misleading so many people.

Security Operation Remains Controversial

The Ankara aircraft switch highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding the US president when intelligence agencies identify a potential threat.

While the operation succeeded in moving Trump out of Turkey without publicly revealing his actual aircraft, questions remain over the decision to keep senior officials and members of the travelling press on the decoy aircraft.

The incident has therefore become a subject of debate not only over presidential security but also over transparency, risk management and the responsibilities of officials during covert security operations.

The United States Treasury Department has begun early preparations for a new $250 banknote that could feature President Donald Trump’s portrait, marking a potential break from a 150-year-old tradition barring living persons from appearing on American currency.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Thursday during a White House briefing that officials are moving proactively in anticipation of congressional approval for the commemorative note tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

Longstanding Rule Under Review

A federal law dating back to 1866 prohibits depictions of living individuals on US currency. This rule was introduced to prevent the misuse of power and avoid any perception of a personality cult around sitting leaders. US banknotes have traditionally featured portraits of deceased presidents and prominent historical figures.

Bessent acknowledged the existing restriction while speaking to reporters. He noted that proposed legislation before both the House and Senate would amend this requirement specifically for the new denomination.

Bill Stalled in Committee

The proposal originates from legislation introduced in February 2025 by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina. Titled the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act, the measure directs the Treasury to print notes featuring the President’s image to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial.

The bill remains pending in the House Financial Services Committee, with no votes scheduled yet. It would require passage by both chambers of Congress before reaching the President’s desk. Supporters argue it appropriately honours Trump’s leadership during a milestone year for the country.

Early Design Work Underway

According to multiple reports, Treasury appointees have already urged the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to develop mock-up designs. These preliminary versions reportedly place Trump’s portrait centrally, incorporate American flag colours, and include a “250 AMERICA” logo.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that political appointees pushed for these prototypes last year. One artist involved in initial concepts reportedly received input on design elements. While such preparatory work is underway, officials stress that actual production cannot begin without legislative clearance.

Timeline and Practical Challenges

Even if Congress approves the change, experts say producing and circulating a new high-denomination note could take several years. Technical, security, and logistical hurdles involved in currency design typically stretch over 6 to 8 years from concept to widespread release.

A former BEP director had earlier highlighted these challenges internally, citing both the legal prohibition and extended timelines. The department has confirmed it is conducting “appropriate planning and due diligence” pending any law change.

Broader Context of Currency Changes

This proposal comes months after the Treasury announced that President Trump’s signature would appear on future US paper currency alongside the Secretary’s, starting with new $100 notes. That move, also linked to the 250th anniversary, marks another first for a sitting president.

The $250 note, if realised, would represent a more significant departure from tradition. Proponents view it as a fitting tribute, while critics have raised concerns about breaking long-established norms meant to keep currency above partisan politics.

Public and Political Reactions

In Washington, the idea has elicited divided responses. Trump supporters see the commemorative note as a celebration of national achievements under his leadership. Opponents have described it as an unnecessary departure from precedent.

Local reactions in various states remain muted so far, though the proposal is expected to generate broader debate as it progresses through Congress. Economists note that while the new denomination would have limited everyday circulation impact, its symbolic value could be substantial.

As the nation gears up for major 2026 independence anniversary events, the fate of the Trump $250 bill remains firmly in congressional hands. Any final decision is likely to spark extensive discussion about tradition, legacy, and the role of currency in reflecting contemporary history.