Donald Trump had to resort to Scooby Doo-esque means of escape during his visit to Turkey last month, hiding in a catering truck amid threats of assassination.
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An exclusive report published by The Washington Post this week claims the White House made it appear that Trump was flying on Air Force One through an elaborate ruse prompted by an Iranian assassination threat.
The White House claimed that Trump was departing Turkey, where he attended the NATO Summit, via Air Force One. However, after boarding that plane, Trump was secretly shuttled to another aircraft in a catering truck.
The stealthy transport was prompted by threats of assassination, according to The Washington Post.
The New York Times carried a similar report, quoting unnamed U.S. officials.
Trump Switches Flights to Avoid Potential Assassination
Journalists and White House staff traveling with Trump were led to believe they were on the same flight as the president as they returned to Washington from the summit, according to The Post. Journalists on the flight reported being advised to keep their window shades in the press cabin closed.
When reporters later asked why they had to keep their shades shut during the flight, Trump said it was because they were "probably on a dangerous flight." He went on to say: "But if I go, you go. Right?"
To help sell the ruse, Trump shared his flight details on his social media platform.
"For old time's sake, we'll be taking the former Air Force One. From Turkey to Mildenhall. A short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet!" Trump wrote ahead of the July 8 departure.
A livestream of Trump's departure from Ankara shows him boarding the baby blue Air Force One. However, as The Washington Post reported, Trump later snuck onto another aircraft.
"As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him. We use every tool at our disposal to address those threats," White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.
