US President Donald Trump reportedly made a covert departure from Türkiye last month amid an alleged Iranian assassination threat, with reports claiming he was secretly transferred from Air Force One to a smaller C-32A military aircraft after appearing to board the presidential jet in front of cameras.
The reported operation took place during Trump’s July 7–8 visit to Ankara for a NATO summit. According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded the older Air Force One in full view of television cameras before being transferred minutes later to the C-32A using an airport catering truck.
The maneuver was reportedly intended to conceal the president’s location from the public, journalists and some White House personnel. The operation came shortly after US forces resumed strikes on Iran following a breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the heightened security measures, saying the president faces threats from multiple enemies and that authorities use available resources to protect him.
