President Trump opted to use the older Air Force One during his departure from Turkey following intelligence suggesting credible threats from Iranian proxy forces targeting his aircraft, per multiple briefed sources.
The threat emerged during NATO summit events, prompting officials to advise a change from the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8—a model lacking advanced defensive features compared to the legacy Air Force One jets.
The Secret Service confirmed urgent concerns about the donated jet’s security capabilities, leading to the rapid transition to the older plane despite Trump’s initial public attribution of the decision to allow British service members to view the new aircraft.
Details indicate the threat was not specific to the new plane’s systems but focused on presidential safety broadly. Key officials were informed only of general Iranian concerns, with limited dissemination of specifics even within the administration.
Trump acknowledged the plane’s deficiencies, stating it would soon be “maxed out” in capabilities. The 14-year-old jet underwent rushed retrofitting to serve as Air Force One, raising ongoing security debates.
Separately, reports suggested Israel shared intelligence about Iranian assassination plots, though some U.S. officials viewed this as potential geopolitical provocation. The Iranian threat in Turkey was distinct from Israel-related intelligence, sources stated.
Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism of Air Force One’s outdated status, while officials noted the current fleet’s extended operational lifespan beyond design parameters.
Qatar’s donation of the 747-8 aims to serve as a temporary solution until Air Force’s delayed new jets arrive, with the new plane scheduled for phased removal this fall for unspecified upgrades.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the new jet’s safety but confirmed temporary use of the older plane during the upgrade period. Secret Service director Sean Curran described threat levels as “off the charts,” citing heightened volatility across protectee security.
Reports indicate Trump faces active assassination plots dating to his first term, with Iranian-linked forces persistently listed as targets. The threat environment remains unusually intense compared to Curran’s 24-year career in protective details.
