Trump Downplays Secret Service Advice to Leave Air Force One Due to Threat in Turkey
President Donald Trump stated that the Secret Service and military advised him to leave Air Force One in Turkey for a different plane due to a threat. He downplayed the event, suggesting the threat did not scare him and that…
Philadelphia, PA, August 12, 2026 —
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was advised by the Secret Service and military to depart from Air Force One in Turkey on a different aircraft due to a security threat. The President addressed the incident, stating that the threat did not frighten him and that he felt he had little alternative but to comply with the recommendation.
This statement corroborates a report by The Washington Post, which detailed a covert departure from Turkey following a NATO summit. According to the report, President Trump was transported from Air Force One in an airport catering vehicle to another plane for his onward journey.
The specific nature of the threat was not disclosed. Details regarding the timeline of the event, the exact location in Turkey, or the specific military and Secret Service personnel involved were not provided in the President’s remarks.
President Trump’s comments served to confirm the account of his departure, while also seeking to minimize the perceived impact of the security concern on his actions. He indicated that the decision was based on advice received, suggesting a lack of personal volition in the matter beyond accepting the counsel provided.
The incident highlights the security considerations that accompany presidential travel, particularly in international settings. The reliance on an airport catering vehicle for transport suggests a departure from standard protocols, likely necessitated by the specific security advice given to the President and his security detail.
Further details regarding the risk assessment that led to the recommendation for President Trump to switch aircraft remain undisclosed.
Story summarized from the original created by WILL WEISSERT on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
