Shortly before Air Force One departed Turkey at the end of the NATO summit in late July 2026, President Trump secretly left the presidential jet and was transferred to another U.S. government plane with the assistance of an airport catering truck, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the event.

This covert operation was prompted by U.S. intelligence detecting a credible missile threat from Iran and its allied proxies targeting the plane carrying President Trump as he left Ankara, CBS News reported exclusively.

Trump had publicly acknowledged the risks during the summit, referring to himself as Iran's "number one target."

The Washington Post initially reported on the plane switch, noting that Trump announced he would depart Ankara on the older Air Force One rather than the newer Qatari-donated jet used during the summit. The president stated the switch was "for old time's sake," and that U.S. forces at a U.K. refueling stop would inspect the newer plane. However, CBS News reported that the Secret Service advised using the older plane for security reasons.

Minutes after the announcement, the catering truck transported Trump to another U.S. government plane, reported by the Post as an Air Force C-32A. During the time in Ankara, press members were instructed to keep window shades closed in Air Force One's press cabin, according to reporters present.

This incident highlights the heightened security concerns amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Sources