Trump reveals why he switched planes after Turkey summit amid Iran threat
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has revealed why he secretly switched planes after a recent summit in Turkey, saying the Secret Service and military wanted him aboard a different aircraft because of a security threat.
“I go by Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go in a different flight, different plane,” Trump told reporters Tuesday after a trip to Ohio.
Trump's remarks confirmed a report that he had secretly left Air Force One after the summit and travelled on another aircraft as a security precaution amid a credible threat linked to Iran.
“I just have to do what they say,” Trump said, explaining his decision to follow the instructions of his security and military teams.
Trump says he does not trust Iran
Trump also spoke sharply about Iran, saying he does not trust the country and warning of a possible US response if Tehran takes further action.
“I don't trust Iran. I'm the last person who trusts Iran. They've lied to me constantly,” Trump said.
He also claimed the US currently has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway, and warned that Iran could face severe consequences if it takes action.
“We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it,” Trump said.
“And at some point, maybe they'll do something and then they get blown away. Right now, we're in a very good position,” he added.
Trump was moved to another aircraft
According to the report, Trump was secretly moved away from Air Force One while the aircraft, carrying White House officials, security and support personnel and reporters, departed Turkey.
The presidential aircraft effectively served as a decoy while Trump travelled separately.
The unusual operation followed Trump's attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey. He had arrived aboard a luxury aircraft gifted by Qatar but ultimately left Turkey on a smaller US government aircraft.
Trump later reunited with the presidential travel party in Britain.
With agency inputs