NYT: Trump forced to switch planes at NATO summit due to threat from Iran allies

US President Trump leaves Air Force One. Source: Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS

US President Donald Trump is reported to have changed aircraft at short notice when departing from the NATO summit in Turkey in early July, following a credible threat of attack by Iranian allies. According to the New York Times, the Secret Service urged Trump to leave Turkey on July 8 using the previous Air Force One instead of the new plane donated by Qatar.

Credible Threat Identified

US authorities identified a credible threat against the president during his stay at the NATO summit in Ankara, the newspaper reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The US broadcaster CBS later confirmed the report, citing US government officials. According to these sources, there were indications of a plan to fire a missile at Trump's plane.

The machine donated by Qatar at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Source: REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Details of the Incident

Trump had flown to the Turkish capital in the Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar. During his stay, the US resumed airstrikes on Iran. On the morning of July 8, Trump was informed of the threat in his hotel. The Secret Service subsequently demanded a change in departure plans.

The president ultimately flew from Ankara in the older Air Force One to a US Air Force base in Mildenhall, UK. There, he transferred back to the new plane and continued his journey to the United States. Publicly, Trump stated at the time that he was using the previous aircraft "for old times' sake" and did not mention the security threat. Both the government and Trump himself denied that security concerns were the reason for the plane change.

Reports of Security Gaps in New Air Force One

According to CBS, the older presidential aircraft are equipped with laser technology to repel incoming missiles and other protective systems. It remains unclear what defensive technology was installed in the Boeing donated by Qatar. However, US officials stated that the threat was not specifically directed at the new plane, but at Trump and the aircraft he was using at the time.

Press Freedom Controversy

The New York Times has published several articles about the new Air Force One, drawing criticism from the US government. Several New York Times journalists received subpoenas from the federal prosecutor's office in Manhattan. The newspaper fought back, and the US Department of Justice eventually announced it would withdraw the subpoenas. New York Times lawyer David McCraw described the decision as an "important affirmation of our country's commitment to press freedom."

Temporary Suspension of New Air Force One

The White House has announced that the new Air Force One will be temporarily taken out of service in the fall for additional technical improvements. During this period, Trump is expected to use the older plane again. The government emphasizes that the new aircraft is also safe for presidential travel.

With dpa