Trump Confirms Secret Plane Switch Amid Fears of Possible Iranian Attack

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he secretly switched aircraft while returning from Turkey, citing security concerns over a possible Iranian attack. He said the decision was made at the last minute on the advice of the US Secret Service and the military.

The incident occurred on July 8. Although Trump was seen boarding Air Force One in front of television cameras, it was later revealed that he did not remain on the aircraft. Instead, he reportedly used a catering truck as cover before boarding a different military aircraft. The change of planes was kept secret from journalists traveling with the president as well as many White House officials.

According to CBS News, US authorities had received intelligence indicating a possible Iranian missile threat targeting the presidential aircraft. The New York Times also reported that US intelligence had identified a suspicious individual carrying a shoulder-fired missile near the NATO summit venue.

Trump said that the alternative military aircraft was not completely risk-free either but that security officials strongly advised him to change planes as a precaution.

While traveling to Turkey for the NATO summit, Trump flew aboard a new Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by Qatar. For the return journey, he had publicly indicated that he would use the older Air Force One. However, he instead secretly boarded a smaller C-32A military aircraft, which is typically used by the US vice president.

To conceal the president's movements, the original Air Force One continued its scheduled flight using the "AF1" call sign. On board were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and several other senior Trump administration officials.

To further maintain the appearance that Trump was on the aircraft, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also boarded the plane using an external staircase visible to observers. Trump later rejoined Air Force One upon arriving in the United Kingdom.

During the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump had publicly stated that he considered himself Iran's "number one target." Speaking later at an event in Ohio, he said he regularly receives numerous threats, many of which he is not personally informed about.

The secret aircraft switch reportedly took place a day after the United States launched renewed military strikes on Iran following the collapse of talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the conflict. The disclosure has renewed attention on concerns surrounding threats to Trump's security.