Misdirection is a standard practice in protecting US presidents. However, President Donald Trump’s departure from Turkey on a military plane was particularly remarkable for its secrecy. Notably, two Cabinet members remained on Air Force One during this time.
Catering trucks lined up at Air Force One as Trump’s motorcade arrived at Ankara International Airport on July 8. The president’s convoy was set to leave Turkey’s capital following the NATO summit.
On August 11, 2026, at 9:34 PM EDT, a US official disclosed that Trump was alerted to an Iranian assassination plot. This information necessitated urgent meetings with his senior advisers as they deliberated on the safest way for the president to return home.