In brief
In July, footage shows Donald Trump boarding Air Force One at Ankara airport during a NATO summit. Inside, staff and reporters were instructed to close blinds as the president allegedly boarded. However, the White House press secretary announced he was transferred to a smaller C‑32A aircraft—a modified Boeing 757 used by the vice‑president—via a service truck. The move, unseen by the media, led to speculation about secretive operations. BBC’s State Department correspondent Tom Bateman narrates what it feels like to be onboard Air Force One.
Early on 8 July, footage captured former President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One at Ankara airport during a NATO summit. Inside the presidential jet, staff and journalists were told to close the window shades as the president was purportedly boarding the aircraft.
Later, the White House press secretary announced that Trump had actually been moved to a smaller C‑32A aircraft—a modified Boeing 757 typically used by the Vice‑President—via a catering truck that had been elevated to plane level on the opposite side of the jet. The move happened at a time when the press pool was unaware that the president was no longer on board.
BBC’s State Department correspondent Tom Bateman recounts the sensation of traveling aboard Air Force One with the president, offering a unique look into the secrecy and protocol of presidential travel.
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