President Donald Trump reportedly used an elaborate security operation to leave Turkey secretly after last month’s NATO summit following a threat from Iran.
According to two senior US officials, security officials moved Trump from an older Air Force One aircraft through a catering container. They then transported him to a military aircraft bound for Britain according to The Washington Post.
Officials reportedly took the unusual step after receiving credible intelligence about a threat from Iran. The operation also involved misleading reporters travelling with the president. 
Iran threat: Elaborate deception conceals Trump’s real flight
Trump had publicly indicated that he would leave Turkey on an older version of Air Force One. He had arrived aboard a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar.
However, officials reportedly used the older presidential aircraft as a decoy. Trump boarded it through a side visible to journalists and cameras. Reporters then travelled aboard the aircraft, believing Trump was also onboard.
Instead, officials allegedly moved Trump through a catering container to another aircraft. The military C-32A reportedly carried him secretly to Mildenhall in Britain. The older Air Force One also landed at the British military base later.
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Officials then transferred Trump back onto the aircraft before he appeared before reporters. He subsequently walked across the tarmac and boarded the Qatari-donated aircraft. Trump then flew that aircraft back to Washington with the press pool.
Security concerns prompted secret operation
The reported operation followed concerns about threats against Trump from Iran. However, officials said the threat did not specifically target the Qatari aircraft.
Instead, the intelligence reportedly indicated that Trump faced danger regardless of his aircraft. Trump received a briefing about the threat while he remained in Turkey.
A small group of senior officials then reportedly developed the evacuation plan. Those involved allegedly included Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Secret Service has previously used decoy vehicles and aircraft to protect presidents. Former Secret Service agent Donald Mihalek said such measures can protect presidents in dangerous environments.
He also stressed that presidential safety takes priority over public transparency.
Trump addresses reporters after the flight
Trump later offered a different explanation for using the older aircraft.
He told reporters that he wanted British troops to see the newer presidential plane. Reporters also questioned why officials had ordered window shades closed during the flight.
Trump said he knew of no specific threat but acknowledged ongoing concerns involving Iran. The reported security operation comes amid years of threats against Trump from Iranian actors.
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Those threats intensified after Trump ordered the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani.
Meanwhile, officials have faced growing scrutiny over information released about Trump’s security and foreign policy. The reported Turkey operation represents an unusual instance of authorities concealing a president’s actual location from accompanying journalists.
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