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Trump Switches Planes in Turkey via Catering Truck

8/12/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump transferred from Air Force One to a C-32A via a catering truck in Turkey before heading to the United Kingdom.
The swap was reported by the Washington Post on August 11, 2026 and later confirmed by CNN.
Democratic aide said the Gang of Eight were not briefed about the aircraft change.
Former Secret Service agent Robert McDonald said reporters on the legacy plane served as unwitting decoys.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1980s Reagan ordered the first presidential 747s, the Air Force has relied on the VC-25A (entered service 1990) while keeping the smaller C-32A as a backup for short runways. A 2018 $3.9 billion contract began converting two stored 747-8s into VC-25Bs, and past presidents have swapped aircraft covertly, a practice echoed by Trump’s C-32A switch in Turkey.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump transferred from Air Force One to a C-32A via a catering truck in Turkey before heading to the United Kingdom.
The swap was reported by the Washington Post on August 11, 2026 and later confirmed by CNN.
Democratic aide said the Gang of Eight were not briefed about the aircraft change.
Former Secret Service agent Robert McDonald said reporters on the legacy plane served as unwitting decoys.

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