Trump Switched Planes After Reported Iranian Threat at NATO Summit
United States President Donald Trump changed aircraft while departing the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, earlier this month following reports of a security threat allegedly linked to Iran, according to The New York Times.
The newspaper, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said the threat emerged during the summit. Trump had flown to Turkey aboard a new Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which the US administration described as the new Air Force One and noted had been provided by Qatar.
The US Secret Service advised the President to switch planes because the Qatar-donated aircraft lacked the advanced defensive capabilities of the older Air Force One. Trump subsequently left Turkey on the older aircraft.
The White House has not officially confirmed the nature of the threat. The New York Times report is based on information from individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity. Officials in Iran have not commented on the allegations.
The incident underscores the security challenges faced by US Presidents during foreign travel. The Air Force One fleet is known for its advanced countermeasures, but the newer aircraft, while state-of-the-art in commercial aviation, may not have the same military-grade protections.
