US President Donald Trump has revealed that he secretly left Air Force One and departed Türkiye aboard another aircraft in July after security officials warned of a potential threat.
Trump made the disclosure while speaking to reporters following a trip to Ohio, saying he acted on the advice of the US Secret Service and military authorities.
“I go by Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go in a different flight, different plane,” Trump told reporters after a trip to Ohio.
“I just have to do what they say,” he said.
Trump said he was not given extensive details about the nature of the threat, noting that he routinely receives security warnings.
“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.
The unusual security operation reportedly took place after Trump attended a NATO summit in Türkiye.
According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded Air Force One in full view of cameras, creating the impression that he would leave the country aboard the presidential aircraft.
However, the US president later exited the aircraft through an airport catering truck before being transferred to a smaller US Air Force plane parked nearby.
The manoeuvre reportedly took place without the knowledge of senior officials, staff and journalists who remained aboard Air Force One.
The presidential aircraft subsequently departed Türkiye carrying the officials, staff and journalists, unaware that Trump was no longer on board, according to the newspaper’s report published on Tuesday.
The revelation has shed light on the extensive security precautions surrounding the movement of the US president, whose travel arrangements are closely guarded because of the threats associated with the office.
Trump’s decision to follow the instructions of security officials also underscores the degree to which presidential movements can be altered at short notice when authorities identify potential risks.
