US President Donald Trump was secretly flown from Turkey to Britain on a smaller military aircraft last month following an alleged Iranian assassination threat, according to reports by The Washington Post and The New York Times. The White House had publicly maintained that he was travelling aboard Air Force One.

The reported operation took place during Trump’s visit to Ankara for a NATO summit. Trump initially boarded the former Air Force One in full view of television cameras, but was later moved to another aircraft using an airport catering truck typically used for meals and supplies.

A US official told The Washington Post that a credible threat involving Iran prompted the security measure. The New York Times also reported that Trump’s actual location was concealed from journalists and some White House staff travelling with him.

The C-32A carrying Trump arrived in Britain ahead of the older Air Force One and the media plane. Trump later emerged from the older presidential aircraft, greeted US service members, and moved towards the Qatar-donated plane.

White House communications director Steve Cheung said the Qatar-donated aircraft had been equipped with high-level security protocols. He noted that the administration uses every available tool to address threats against the president.

Photo credit: BSCN