WASHINGTON, United States: A secret operation that reportedly smuggled Donald Trump off Air Force One in a catering truck before the plane departed carrying journalists and top aides at apparent risk of an Iranian strike has raised questions over US security practices.
The Washington Post reported Monday that Trump covertly exited the presidential plane while it was on the ground in Turkiye on July 8 as his security team deployed a scheme to evade an assassination threat.
Some traveling media expressed anger at having unwittingly served as decoys, while others complained about deception and lack of communication from the White House.
A person holds a printout of the Truth Social post by President Donald Trump before he spoke with reporters in flight on Air Force One after landing at U.S. Air Force Base at RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk Eastern England, Wednesday, July 8, 2026. (AP)
Trump boarded the presidential jet in full view of video cameras and photographers, with AFP pictures showing two supply containers on hydraulic lifts at the front and rear of the aircraft.
