Security concerns prompted Trump to depart Turkey on older plane while sending Qatari-donated jet ahead, officials say

Security Worries Led Trump to Use Legacy Aircraft for Turkey Exit While Forwarding Qatar Jet

Officials cite Iran tensions and safety preferences as key factors in the unusual travel arrangement.

Security concerns prompted Trump to depart – Four American authorities revealed that President Donald Trump opted to leave Turkey aboard a vintage aircraft instead of his recently acquired Qatari donation. This strategic choice was influenced significantly by rising tensions involving Iran. Two of the sources indicated that security teams preferred having the president on the vintage craft. That older vessel was constructed specifically for the commander-in-chief’s protection from the ground up. In contrast, the newer plane underwent recent modifications after receiving the substantial gift from Qatar. Although no immediate danger was identified, Trump referenced potential assassination risks from Iran during the NATO gathering. This occurred following fresh American military strikes on the neighboring nation.

“I’m number one on the list for killing,” he said.

The New York Times had previously highlighted these security considerations. CNN contacted the White House to seek further clarification on the matter. Despite initially traveling to Turkey on the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One, President Trump chose the older model for his departure from the summit. CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins provided coverage of the situation. The precise reason why the older plane was deemed a safer option than the newer one remained somewhat unclear at first. Two sources familiar with the details stated that the newer plane did not possess the same capabilities to ensure its safety in international settings. However, a third source argued that it was equipped with many of the same features as the older plane.

“Threat assessments change all the time,” one source said.

Before Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey, officials sent the Qatari-gifted jet ahead to England’s Mildenhall Air Force Base. Trump explained in a social media post that the change in planes was simply to give US service members stationed at the base “a chance to tour the Aircraft.” He wrote that “Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first.” Trump then switched planes at a secure US airbase in the UK and offered mixed messages on the reason for the change of plans. He stated that “There wasn’t a security concern, except we sent it a little early, same line going back. We sent it a little bit early, so that we could let them see.”

However, when asked why reporters aboard the plane were asked to lower their window shades on the ascent out of Ankara, Trump allowed that security concerns related to Iran could be a factor. He said Air Force One could be on a “dangerous plane because of the sleaze bags we have to deal with.” He added, “These are sick people, so I could see something like that,” noting that he was unaware about the directive to press members to keep the shades down. The new jet, a gift from Qatar estimated to be worth about $400 million, has long generated legal, ethical and national security questions. The Air Force has said it “is safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission.”

CNN’s Betsy Klein was one of the first reporters aboard President Donald Trump’s new Qatari-gifted Air Force One. Observers were given a rare insight into the aircraft’s upgraded features, including a more spacious press cabin, lie-flat leather seats, redesigned interiors and a glimpse of the in-flight experience on the trip to Mount Rushmore. One official, who declined to comment on the specific highly classified systems typically onboard Air Force One, noted the 747 gifted by Qatar was largely seen by the military and Secret Service as having been “rushed” into service. By contrast, the official noted two new jets acquired as part of a deal Trump renegotiated during his first term have faced serious delays and aren’t expected to be