President Donald Trump used a smaller U.S. military aircraft and an airport catering truck to leave the NATO summit in Turkey in July, according to reports. The Washington Post cited an official and other materials indicating that this maneuver was executed due to a credible threat from Iran against the president. Trump arrived in Turkey on July 8 aboard a new Boeing 747-8, donated by Qatar.
Following U.S. military actions against Iranian targets earlier that summer, intelligence officials identified a specific threat to Trump's movements. To mitigate this risk, U.S. security officials implemented a ruse at Ankara airport. Trump was seen boarding the older Air Force One, a Boeing 747, before he and a small team of aides exited through an airport catering truck, which was then driven to a nearby Air Force C-32A, a modified Boeing 757.
While the media and White House staff believed Trump was on the older 747, the aircraft took off as a decoy without him on board. Flight-tracking data showed the legacy jet initially appeared on radar without a call sign before adopting the 'AF1' call sign midflight. Trump flew in secrecy to RAF Mildenhall in England, landing shortly before the decoy jet.
After landing, Trump appeared before the media at approximately 10:56 p.m. and boarded the new Boeing 747-8 for his return to Washington shortly thereafter. When asked about the ordered window shades during the flight, Trump mentioned the constant threats he faces, stating he is 'Number One' on Iran's target list. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung commented on the security of the new Air Force One, emphasizing its advanced safety protocols. The U.S. Air Force also affirmed the aircraft's safety and security features.