U.S. President Donald Trump has said he secretly switched aircraft in Turkey last month after the U.S. Secret Service directed him to leave Air Force One following a security threat. The unusual move took place after the NATO summit in Ankara and was reportedly linked to concerns over a possible Iranian assassination threat.

Trump made the comments on Tuesday, August 11, as questions continued to emerge over why he was moved from the aircraft that had been publicly identified as carrying him from Turkey to Britain.

Secret aircraft switch in Ankara

According to reports, Trump was initially scheduled to leave Turkey aboard Air Force One. However, shortly after boarding, he reportedly exited the aircraft through a catering truck and was transferred to another military aircraft.

The operation was kept secret, with the White House initially maintaining that Trump was travelling aboard Air Force One.

The unusual transfer was first reported publicly by The Washington Post on August 10, citing unnamed sources familiar with the episode.

Trump later confirmed that the aircraft change had taken place but said the decision was made by the Secret Service and military officials responsible for his security.

Trump says alternate plane was also at risk

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the aircraft he ultimately used may actually have presented a greater security risk because adversaries could have been more likely to target it.

“I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk,” Trump said.

He added that he did not seek extensive details about the threat and generally follows instructions from the Secret Service and military when it comes to his personal security.

Trump said he receives many threats and indicated that the security concern was serious enough for officials to alter his travel arrangements.

Catering truck operation draws attention

The aircraft transfer has attracted considerable attention because of the unusual method used to move the President.

Trump reportedly travelled from Air Force One to the replacement aircraft using a catering truck, apparently as part of an effort to prevent the movement from being detected.

The episode subsequently became the subject of social media memes, with images and jokes portraying Trump as hiding inside the catering vehicle.

Trump, who frequently engages with online memes and has cultivated a strong public image around his personal toughness, appeared to acknowledge the attention while stressing that the decision was made by security officials.

Iran threat concerns during NATO summit

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

Trump had travelled to Ankara for the NATO summit aboard a newly renovated aircraft donated by Qatar. The aircraft's first international trip had already attracted scrutiny over its cost, security and modifications.

The situation was particularly sensitive because Turkey shares a border with Iran and tensions in the region had intensified at the time.

U.S. officials reportedly feared that the aircraft publicly associated with Trump could become a potential target if an attack was being planned.

White House did not disclose change

The White House did not publicly reveal the aircraft switch at the time. Officials had initially indicated that Trump was flying aboard Air Force One from Turkey to Britain.

The secrecy surrounding the operation has raised questions about the risks faced by Trump's aides, journalists and other personnel who remained aboard the aircraft that was believed to be carrying the President.

Trump, however, defended the decision by saying presidential security is ultimately determined by the Secret Service and military authorities.

Security remains a key concern

The incident highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding presidential travel, particularly when the U.S. President visits regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions.

While Trump did not provide specific details about the alleged threat, his remarks confirmed that security officials considered the aircraft switch necessary.

The episode also comes as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a period of heightened tensions, making presidential travel arrangements a significant security concern.

For now, U.S. authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific intelligence behind the decision to move Trump from Air Force One to another aircraft.