Washington Post: Trump Secretly Fled Turkey on a Different Plane After Being Smuggled in a Catering Vehicle

According to analyzed materials and sources, Donald Trump was secretly flown out of Turkey on a military aircraft after being covertly transported via a catering vehicle to deceive observers and maintain security.

Secret Departure from Turkey

This operation was carried out secretly, without the knowledge of journalists and some White House staff who were convinced they were on the same plane as the president, according to materials analyzed by the “Washington Post” and information provided by sources.

The administration claimed that Trump left Turkey on July 8, where he attended a NATO summit, aboard a former Air Force One aircraft. Trump announced on social media that he would use the older Air Force One instead of the plane he arrived in—a newer Boeing 747-8 gifted to the United States by Qatar.

He explained at the time that the new machine flew to Great Britain so that American soldiers could inspect it. The safety of the aircraft donated by Qatar was questioned, and Trump said last month, after the end of that trip, that the machine would undergo additional modernization, the daily recalled.

Transfer via Catering Truck to a Smaller Aircraft

“Washington Post”: Trump was transported in a catering vehicle to a smaller aircraft.

In Ankara, Trump boarded the older Air Force One, which was captured by cameras. Then, to leave Air Force One discreetly, Trump and several aides entered a catering container that was positioned on the other side of the plane, according to information provided by an American official and other materials confirming these findings. A few minutes later, the president was secretly transported by the catering vehicle to board a smaller C-32A military aircraft, the “Washington Post” wrote.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the C-32A separately. He used external stairs to make the flight look like a routine one. As a gazette informant said, Hegseth flew with Trump to Great Britain aboard the same plane.

Deception and Security Measures Amid Iranian Threats

White House Communications Director: There are many enemies of America targeting the president.

According to the official, Air Force One, carrying journalists and some White House staff, was meant to confuse observers. Due to this secret mission, Trump’s true whereabouts were hidden for several hours from the American public and many high-ranking US officials. The White House assured that Trump was on board AF1 when departing Turkey.

The operation was carried out after US forces, at Trump’s direction, resumed airstrikes on Iran following the breakdown of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, when asked about the president’s departure from Turkey, replied that “the new Air Force One is the most modern aircraft equipped with advanced security systems that ensure the protection of the president and his personnel.” “As the president recently said, there are many enemies of America who are targeting him, and we are utilizing all available means to counter these threats,” he added.

Arrival in Britain and Comments on Security Risks

Trump to journalists: If I die, you die too. Right?

A credible threat from Iran against Trump gave rise to an “information operation,” said an American official. The “New York Times” and CBS News reported last month that intelligence officials pointed to a specific threat of an attack on the president or his plane. Therefore, additional precautions were taken.

A source for the Washington daily reported that over the past 30 years there have been situations where Air Force One was used to confuse observers due to a serious threat or because the president was traveling to a dangerous place.

It is not clear how Trump moved from the C-32A to the older Air Force One after landing in Great Britain. However, the president appeared before television cameras and descended the external stairs from the machine. Then he transferred to the new Air Force One donated by the Qataris and flew to Washington. During the flight, he spoke with journalists for about 15 minutes. Asked why reporters were told to cover the windows on the plane in Turkey, Trump replied: – Because you are probably flying a dangerous flight because of those scoundrels we have to deal with.

Trump said his life is in danger “all the time” and that he occupies the “number one” spot on Iran’s target “list.” – But if I die, you die too. Right? – Trump added. – Maybe one day you’ll want to change professions – he suggested.