Donald Trump, the president of the United States, has confirmed that he secretly switched planes while departing Turkey last month due to a security threat reportedly linked to Iran. Speaking to journalists on August 11, 2026, Trump said he followed the advice of the US Secret Service and military officials, expressing his ongoing distrust of Iran and noting that he frequently receives threats.

The operation came to light after the Washington Post published details of the covert extraction, which took place after US authorities received intelligence that forces connected to Iran were targeting both Trump and any aircraft transporting him. According to Trump, the Secret Service and military recommended he use a different plane with equivalent security measures. “I do what they tell me,” Trump stated, emphasizing that he believed the C-32A aircraft used for the flight from Turkey to the United Kingdom was at greater risk of attack than the Air Force One, which was also involved in the operation.

Secret Transfer at Ankara Airport

According to reports, Trump initially boarded the former Air Force One in full view of cameras at Ankara airport. However, he was then discreetly moved to a US Air Force C-32A using a catering truck connected to the presidential aircraft. The truck transported Trump to the second plane, which was parked nearby, allowing him to leave Turkey without being seen by the press or bystanders.

Meanwhile, the original Air Force One later departed with journalists and White House staff, further masking Trump’s true movements. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, Trump reappeared on Air Force One, leaving the aircraft as if he had traveled on it the entire time. The method by which he returned to Air Force One without detection remains unclear.

The threat that prompted the operation was first reported by the New York Times on July 24, 2026, which stated that the US government had credible information about Iranian-linked forces targeting Trump and his transport. The details of the threat were kept highly confidential, with only a select group of officials aware of the full extent of the security measures taken.