US President Donald Trump was secretly flown from Turkey to the United Kingdom on a smaller military aircraft last month following an alleged Iranian assassination threat, while the White House publicly maintained that he was travelling aboard Air Force One, according to reports by The Washington Post and The New York Times.

The reported operation took place during Trump’s visit to Ankara for a NATO summit with other world leaders.

According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded the former Air Force One in full view of television cameras. Minutes later, he was reportedly transferred to another aircraft using an airport catering truck typically used to transport meals and supplies to aircraft before departure.

A US official told the newspaper that the operation was prompted by a credible threat involving Iran.

The New York Times also reported that Trump’s actual location was concealed from journalists and some White House staff travelling with him.

The White House had previously said Trump departed Turkey on July 8 aboard the former Air Force One. Trump had also announced on Truth Social that he would use the older Boeing 747 rather than the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar, which had flown him to Turkey.

Before leaving Ankara, Trump said he would travel aboard the older aircraft “for old time’s sake” to RAF Mildenhall in Britain, while the Qatar-donated aircraft would also stop there to allow US military personnel stationed at the base to tour it.

However, The Post reported that Trump was actually transported from the third aircraft to the older Air Force One shortly before departure.

The operation reportedly involved Trump boarding the older presidential aircraft through a different entrance before later appearing publicly on its stairs, creating the impression that he had been aboard throughout the flight.

Journalists in the travelling press pool were reportedly instructed to keep the window shades in their section closed during the flight.

Some White House staff members also reportedly believed Trump was aboard the aircraft.

When reporters later asked Trump why they had been instructed to keep the shades closed, he joked that they were “probably on a dangerous flight.”

“But if I go, you go. Right?” Trump added.

The C-32A aircraft carrying Trump reportedly arrived in Britain at about 10:20 p.m. local time, while the older Air Force One and the media travelling separately arrived minutes later.

Trump’s travelling press pool reported that he emerged from the older Air Force One at about 10:56 p.m., gave reporters a peace sign and greeted US service members before walking towards the Qatar-donated aircraft.

The reported operation bears similarities to a 2000 manoeuvre involving former US President Bill Clinton, who used an unmarked executive aircraft to enter Pakistan while Air Force One served as a decoy.

Responding to questions about the revelation, White House Communications Director Steve Cheung said the Qatar-donated aircraft had been equipped with high-level security protocols to protect Trump and his staff.

“As the president has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Cheung said.