US President Donald Trump secretly flew on a military aircraft after an Iranian assassination threat prompted heightened security measures during his recent NATO trip. Trump had travelled to Ankara aboard a newly renovated Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for use by the US government. However, he unexpectedly left Turkey aboard an older Air Force One aircraft. According to a US official familiar with the operation, Trump boarded the older aircraft in front of cameras before security personnel secretly moved him to a smaller Air Force C-32A. An airport catering truck reportedly transported Trump to the C-32A. The operation aimed to conceal the president’s actual aircraft and protect him from a potential threat. The source described the assassination threat as credible. The unusual security operation also echoes a similar measure used in 2000, when President Bill Clinton flew into Pakistan aboard an unmarked executive aircraft while authorities used Air Force One as a decoy. AJK Polls Re-polling ordered at 23 stations in two Bagh constituencies Journalists travelling aboard the older Air Force One believed Trump was on the aircraft. Some White House staff reportedly held the same belief. Reporters were also instructed to keep the window shades in the press cabin closed during the flight. Trump later joked about the instruction when journalists asked why they had to keep the shades shut. “We were probably on a dangerous flight,” Trump said. “But if I go, you go. Right?” The C-32A carrying Trump reached Britain at about 10:20pm local time. The older Air Force One arrived minutes later with members of the media. It remains unclear how Trump transferred back to the older aircraft. His travelling press pool reported seeing him leave that plane at 10:56pm. Trump then greeted US service members before walking towards the newer Qatar-donated aircraft. The new aircraft had made its first international trip during the NATO summit in Ankara. Its rapid refurbishment had already raised questions about its cost and security. The White House later defended the aircraft’s security arrangements. Communications Director Steve Cheung said the Qatar-donated jet had received high-level security protections for the president and his staff. Cheung said the administration uses “every tool at our disposal” to address threats against Trump. The reported secret flight highlights the security challenges surrounding presidential travel as tensions with Iran remain high. Post navigation Jharkhand Students march on assembly over recruitment exam row
