According to media reports, the aircraft switch took place after a NATO summit in Ankara.

Trump was reportedly moved from Air Force One to a military plane using a catering truck as part of a covert security operation. The measure was said to have been prompted by concerns over a possible assassination threat linked to Iran.

The White House did not publicly disclose the aircraft change at the time, and the operation remained unknown until it was later reported by the Washington Post. The report sparked debate among commentators, some of whom questioned whether members of Trump’s entourage and journalists traveling with him may have faced additional risks while remaining on the aircraft believed to be carrying the president.

Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that the plane he boarded after the switch may actually have faced greater danger. He said it was the aircraft potential attackers would have been more likely to target.

After social media users circulated memes depicting him hiding in a catering truck, Trump stressed that the decision was made by security officials rather than himself. He explained that he followed the guidance provided by the Secret Service and military personnel responsible for his protection.

Trump added that he understood there had been a threat but did not seek many details, noting that threats against him are not uncommon.

At the time, the White House stated that the president was traveling from Turkey to Britain aboard Air Force One. Reports later indicated that shortly after boarding the presidential aircraft, Trump secretly exited through the catering truck and transferred to another plane for the remainder of the journey.

Trump had arrived in Ankara aboard a recently refurbished jet donated by Qatar for use as a presidential aircraft. However, he unexpectedly chose to depart on an older Air Force One, raising questions about the security and readiness of the newer jet.

The Turkey trip marked the aircraft’s first overseas mission and took place amid heightened tensions involving Iran, a neighboring country to Turkey. The rapid renovation and deployment of the plane had already generated scrutiny regarding both its cost and security arrangements.