A Secret Flight and Unverified Intelligence
In a surprising turn of events, US intelligence officials reportedly expressed skepticism about reports of an Iranian threat that led to a covert operation involving former President Donald Trump. This incident occurred during his return from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The president was secretly transferred from Air Force One to a smaller C-32A aircraft via a catering truck due to concerns about a potential assassination attempt.
According to current and former US officials, the intelligence regarding the threat was provided by the Israeli government to the CIA. However, analysts did not find this information compelling enough to warrant immediate action, as one official noted. Another source described the reported threats as “Israeli-derived” rather than US-generated, with low confidence in its accuracy.
This revelation adds a new dimension to the White House’s decision to keep Trump’s whereabouts hidden after the NATO summit. It also highlights the unusual security measures taken to ensure his safety. Initially, Trump was expected to leave Turkey aboard a new Boeing 747-8 jet gifted by Qatar. However, concerns arose about the aircraft’s lack of security features and communication capabilities, leading him to opt for an older version of Air Force One instead.
The Covert Operation
In a highly secretive move, Trump left the legacy Air Force One without public knowledge and was transported via a catering truck to a third aircraft, the Air Force C-32A. This plane flew him and a small group of key aides to the United Kingdom. The elaborate ruse successfully misled those on board the old Air Force One, including journalists and some senior White House staff who remained unaware of the switch.
A US official stated, “As the President has said, he has faced numerous threats on his life, including ones from Iran, and every measure is taken to ensure his safety.” The official, like others cited in the report, spoke on condition of anonymity.
Strategic Implications
Some US officials believe this incident was not isolated. They suggested that Israel might have shared the warning not only to protect Trump but also to influence his political decisions. Analysts pointed out that such actions could shape how the US approaches Iran, Turkey, and other countries in the Middle East.
Israel views Iran as its most immediate threat but also considers Turkey a medium- to long-term danger. The growing closeness between Washington and Ankara has raised concerns among some officials. This relationship has been strengthened by Trump’s personal rapport with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Another US official questioned the seriousness of the threat, pointing to the tens of thousands of Turkish security personnel deployed during the NATO summit. Meanwhile, Democrats have urged the administration to provide more details about the deception operation.
Trump’s Response
Trump initially flew to the summit in Turkey aboard a new Qatari-gifted 747-8 jet before deciding to return via the UK on an older Air Force One model “for old times’ sake.” On Tuesday, he stated that he consented to the switch following a request from the Secret Service. “I just follow what they’d like me to do,” he said when asked about the plan.
He also downplayed the significance of the intelligence that prompted the secret flight. “I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats,” Trump added. He even claimed that the C-32A he was on was more dangerous than the Air Force One.
After the bizarre switch, Trump spoke to journalists for about 15 minutes, emphasizing the threat posed by Iran. When asked about the order to lower window shades on the plane in Turkey, he responded, “because you’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleaze bags that we have to deal with.” He concluded by stating that he has a “threat all the time” on his life and that he is “number one” on Iran’s “list.”
