Trump says he faced direct threat, switched planes after Turkey visit

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said he was confronted with a direct threat after his visit to Turkey and was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft. Speaking to US media, Trump said the Secret Service and the military made the call to switch planes and that he followed their instructions. US media reported that Washington had received intelligence about a possible assassination threat linked to Iran. The Wall Street Journal said Israel had passed information to the United States about an alleged plot against Trump, including the possible use of shoulder-fired missiles. After appearing on camera in Ankara boarding the older Boeing 747 Air Force One, Trump was secretly transferred by a service truck to a nearby C-32A military aircraft. The military plane carried him to a US base in England, while the original presidential jet continued on its planned route with journalists and White House staff on board. A new aircraft provided by Qatar was flown to England separately and used for Trump's return trip to the United States. The White House said the new plane is equipped with high-level security protocols.