Trump secretly switched planes via catering cart amid Iran threat

US President Donald Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft during a NATO summit in Turkey, according to multiple reports. The move came after intelligence officials assessed a credible threat of an assassination attempt, prompting a covert operation to ensure his safety. Sources indicate that Trump was transferred using a catering cart, a tactic used to avoid detection by media and staff who believed he remained on the original plane. This unusual maneuver was part of a broader effort to protect the president amid heightened tensions with Iran, as reported by US media outlets (bbc.co.uk).

The White House initially claimed Trump was still aboard Air Force One, but it was later revealed that he had been relocated to a military jet. This secret flight was necessary to evade potential threats, as officials feared an attack during the summit. The operation involved coordination between military and security personnel, with Trump’s whereabouts hidden from public view. The incident highlights the heightened security measures in place for the president, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions (rediff.com).

The move was not the first time Trump has faced security challenges. In the past, he has been evacuated from public events due to threats, though this instance involved a more elaborate and covert strategy. The use of a catering cart to facilitate the switch underscores the lengths to which authorities will go to protect the president, even in the midst of high-profile international meetings. (independent.co.uk)

Sources
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  • independent.co.uk — Trump hid in catering cart in secret plane swap to fend off Iran assassination threat