DECOY OPERATION: Trump Secretly Switched Planes In Turkey Amid Iranian Threat
President Donald Trump was secretly transferred off Air Force One and flown out of Turkey aboard a smaller military aircraft last month following a credible Iranian assassination threat, according to reporting by The Washington Post. The operation took place on July 8 as Trump prepared to depart Ankara after a NATO summit.
President Donald Trump was secretly transferred off Air Force One and flown out of Turkey aboard a smaller military aircraft last month following a credible Iranian assassination threat, according to reporting by The Washington Post. The operation took place on July 8 as Trump prepared to depart Ankara after a NATO summit. It followed U.S. Military strikes against Iran at Trump's direction the previous night.
Trump was seen arriving at the airport and boarding the legacy Air Force One in full view of cameras. Minutes later, however, he and several aides exited through a door on the opposite side of the aircraft and entered an airport catering truck, which transported them to a nearby Air Force C-32A, a modified Boeing 757. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the smaller aircraft separately using external stairs.
Members of the White House press corps and some staff boarded the legacy Air Force One believing Trump was aboard. White House personnel instructed journalists to close their window shades before departure. A U.S. Official described the presidential 747 as a "decoy."
The C-32A carrying Trump flew to Britain under the military call sign "Reach 18" Rather than Air Force One, with tracking systems switched off. The legacy aircraft was publicly assigned the "AF1" Designation despite Trump not being on board. Both planes landed at Mildenhall air base, with the C-32A arriving at approximately 10:20 p.m. And Air Force One at 10:29 p.m.
After landing, Trump appeared descending the external stairs of the legacy Air Force One at approximately 10:56 p.m., maintaining the appearance he had arrived on that aircraft. He later boarded the newer presidential 747-8 for the return to Washington.
On the return flight, Trump spoke with journalists and was asked about the window shade order in Turkey. He responded that it was "because you're probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleaze bags that we have to deal with." Trump stated there is a "threat all the time" Against his life and that he is "number one" On Iran's "list," Adding, "But if I go, you go. Right?"
The White House has publicly described Trump as departing Turkey aboard the legacy Air Force One. White House communications director Steven Chegseth declined to address the secret transfer when questioned by The Post.
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