WASHINGTON — U.S. intelligence detected a credible and imminent threat that Iranian-linked forces could target President Donald Trump’s aircraft with a shoulder-fired missile during his departure from Turkey last month, prompting the Secret Service to secretly move him to a smaller military jet, according to a U.S. official familiar with the operation and reporting reviewed by Reuters.
The security operation took place on July 8 after Trump attended a NATO summit in Ankara. Trump had publicly boarded an older Air Force One, but was later moved covertly to a C-32A aircraft, which flew him separately to Britain. Air Force One then departed as a decoy, carrying senior officials, staff and journalists who were not informed that Trump was no longer aboard, according to the U.S. official and corroborating reports.
The intelligence warning was serious enough for the Secret Service to activate emergency procedures normally reserved for high-risk environments, the official said. The reported threat involved a shoulder-launched missile, a weapon capable of posing a danger to aircraft during takeoff or landing.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the threat was considered credible and imminent. The information emerged amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following renewed U.S. military operations against Iran. Turkey did not publicly comment on the reported threat.
The operation involved moving Trump from Air Force One through a catering vehicle to the waiting C-32A, according to reports. The aircraft used for Trump's actual departure operated without the presidential Air Force One call sign, while the larger aircraft continued under that designation to preserve the deception.
Trump confirmed this week that he had been moved to another aircraft, saying he followed the recommendations of the Secret Service and military officials. He said he did not question the security decision, while also suggesting that the plane he ultimately took could itself have faced greater risk.
The episode has prompted questions from lawmakers about whether passengers left aboard the decoy aircraft were adequately informed of the threat. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a congressional briefing on the incident, according to reports.
The incident also renewed scrutiny of the security capabilities of a newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar that Trump had used earlier in his Turkey trip. Reuters previously reported that the aircraft was expected to undergo security upgrades, including work intended to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The White House and Turkish authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the intelligence behind the threat.
