Trump says he was at ‘greater risk’ on secret flight than decoy Air Force One

Trump Says He Was at Greater Risk on Secret Flight Than Decoy Air Force One

Tyunews.com – President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that his covert departure from Turkey last month was orchestrated by the Secret Service and U.S. military. The operation involved a passenger-filled decoy Air Force One while the president secretly transferred to a military aircraft through a catering container. "It's only up to Secret Service. I just follow what they'd like to do," Trump explained to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews after visiting Ohio.

Covert Transfer Amid Security Concerns

According to sources familiar with the matter, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained aboard the decoy Air Force One while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew with the president on the military aircraft. All three Cabinet members knew about the secret switch, ABC News reported. The elaborate ruse was conducted without the knowledge of traveling press and even some White House officials on the decoy flight.

When asked about the specific threat at the time, Trump downplayed the concern. "I guess there was a threat out there. I didn't really ask too much about it. I get a lot of threats," he said. However, when questioned about the safety comparison between flights, Trump claimed he was at greater risk on the plane he actually flew on rather than the decoy.

"I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk," Trump stated. "I think it was at greater risk because that would be the plane that they would be more likely to go for." The president had publicly announced he would fly on the old Air Force One instead of the new Qatari-gifted jet, which he was sending to a British base for service members to tour.

On the decoy Air Force One flight, reporters were instructed to keep windows closed throughout the journey per Secret Service mandate. Despite the president not being aboard, the aircraft had its transponder turned off according to The Washington Post. The White House later issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to protecting the president.

"As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats." — White House Statement to ABC News

Security Context and Public Reaction

ABC News previously reported that Trump received advice against taking the new Air Force One due to security concerns during escalating tensions with Iran. The covert operation has drawn attention to the measures taken to ensure presidential safety while maintaining public appearances of normalcy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Trump take a secret flight instead of the decoy Air Force One?

Trump took a secret flight because intelligence suggested the decoy Air Force One was at higher risk of being targeted. The Secret Service and military coordinated the operation to ensure his safety while maintaining the appearance that he was traveling on the decoy aircraft.

Who was on the decoy Air Force One during the secret transfer?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were aboard the decoy Air Force One. The traveling press and some White House officials were also on the decoy flight without knowing the president had secretly departed.

What was the nature of the threat that prompted the secret flight?

While Trump stated he didn't ask too much about the specific threat, ABC News reported that security concerns related to escalating tensions with Iran prompted the covert operation. The White House later confirmed that multiple enemies of America were monitoring potential targets.

How did the Secret Service ensure the decoy flight appeared normal?

The Secret Service mandated that all windows on the decoy Air Force One remain closed throughout the flight. Additionally, the aircraft's transponder was turned off to prevent tracking, while maintaining the appearance of a standard presidential flight to observers.