The White House says President Trump‘s decision to switch from the new Air Force One to the older presidential aircraft during his return from the NATO summit was a calculated security measure designed to protect the commander in chief amid escalating tensions with Iran.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the aircraft change was “distraction and misdirection,” explaining that creating uncertainty about the president’s movements is a standard security practice. He added that the administration would not disclose additional operational details because doing so could compromise presidential security.
The switch occurred after President Trump flew to Turkey aboard the newly converted $400 million Air Force One but returned to the United States on the older VC-25 aircraft. The newer jet continued to RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, where Trump said American service members would have the opportunity to tour the aircraft.
The decision came as the United States resumed military strikes against Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has previously stated that Iran considers him a top assassination target, fueling speculation that heightened security concerns influenced the flight arrangements.
Administration officials have emphasized that the aircraft change was not prompted by any specific or credible threat. However, security experts note that the older presidential aircraft carries decades of proven defensive systems and secure communications capabilities that remain among the most advanced in the world.
The White House said the operation demonstrated the extensive planning that goes into protecting the president during overseas travel, particularly during periods of heightened international conflict. Officials stressed that deception and operational security remain essential components of every presidential trip.
The post White House Says Air Force One Swap Was Deliberate Decoy To Protect President Trump appeared first on Real News Now.
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