According to reports originating from The Washington Post, Donald Trump conducted a secret departure from Ankara, Turkey, on July 8. The maneuver was reportedly prompted by a credible assassination threat linked to Iran. To ensure his safety, officials executed a complex logistical plan designed to mislead observers regarding his travel status.

Sources state that Trump initially boarded a standard Air Force One jet at the airport. Once inside, he was reportedly moved into a catering container attached to the aircraft. This container then transported him to a smaller C-32A aircraft, which subsequently flew him to Britain. During this transition, media personnel and certain officials were led to believe that the primary Air Force One jet was the vessel carrying the former president. By utilizing the smaller, less conspicuous aircraft, security teams aimed to minimize the risk of an attack during the flight. While the SCMP report highlights the tactical nature of the departure, it notes that the information was provided by an anonymous U.S. official. The report frames the event as a high-stakes security operation necessitated by specific intelligence regarding a threat against Trump's life.