Media reveal why Trump was secretly moved to another plane in Ankara
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
The reason for US President Donald Trump's secret transfer to another plane after the NATO summit in Ankara was information about a possible attempt to shoot down the presidential aircraft with a man-portable air-defense system, according to CNN.
As reported, the threat of an assassination attempt on Trump was allegedly discovered on the final day of the NATO summit in Ankara. Security services received information about plans to try to shoot down the presidential aircraft with a man-portable air-defense system.
The information was specific enough for those responsible to decide that it was too risky for Trump to leave Türkiye on either of the official presidential aircraft — the older one or the new Qatari one.
The threat was considered very real, in particular because Iran appeared to know details of the movements of the American delegation during its stay in Türkiye.
Three aides and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to the third aircraft with Trump.
The aides included Natalie Harp, an executive assistant who regularly accompanies Trump when he travels, Dan Scavino, a deputy White House chief of staff, and Walt Nauta, the director of Oval Office operations who also frequently travels with the president.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller remained on the presidential aircraft.
Trump's secret evacuation
On August 11, media reported that US President Donald Trump had been secretly flown out of Türkiye on another aircraft. According to journalists, he was transferred from the presidential aircraft Air Force One using a van normally used to deliver food.
The special operation was allegedly carried out to prevent a possible assassination attempt on the president by Iran.
Later, Trump confirmed that while returning from the July NATO summit in Ankara, he was secretly transferred to another aircraft. According to him, the decision was made by the Secret Service because of a possible danger.
