Trumps sly plane switch raises eyebrows over safety of passengers left behind on board

Reports of President Donald Trump’s secret move to a military jet during last month’s NATO summit in Turkey has put a rare security trade-off in focus: As officials apparently sought to shield Trump from a credible Iranian threat, White House staff, Secret Service agents, U.S.Military members and journalists remained aboard the decoy aircraft.The White House did not return Fox News’ request for comment on whether officials assessed a separate risk to those left aboard the plane, which could have included Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

It's not clear what, if any, protective measures were in place.Air Force One is the call sign of the plane the U.S.president is traveling aboard, not the name of a specific aircraft.The Washington Post first reported that Trump secretly switched to a military jet after appearing to board the older Air Force One in Turkey.

Journalists and White House staff traveling with the president for the trip abroad remained on the aircraft that flew to the United Kingdom.Trump later rejoined the group before continuing home, according to the report.U.S.

President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO leaders summit at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, Turkey, July 8, 2026.REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst TRUMP USED CATERING TRUCK, AIR FORCE ONE DECOY TO EVADE IRAN THREAT: REPORTIn a separate follow-up to that article, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli intelligence briefed the Trump administration on a threat to use shoulder-fired missiles against Air Force One.

It also noted that Rubio was among top aides who remained aboard the older aircraft.Former Secret Service agent Bill Gage told Fox News that the people aboard the aircraft "probably did face an elevated risk." But he described the reported operation as a calculated response to the threat environment surrounding Trump."Any travel with him should be considered a risk," Gage said."I think some members o...