US President Donald Trump has confirmed that security officials secretly moved him from Air Force One to another aircraft because of a threat to his life.

The covert operation took place while Trump was in Turkey on 8 July during his trip linked to the NATO summit.

Trump said officials instructed him to use a different aircraft and he followed their advice.

“I guess there was a threat out there,” he told reporters, adding that he did not ask for extensive details about it.

President reportedly hidden in cargo container

According to reporting cited by the Cape Times, Trump initially boarded Air Force One in full view of photographers and television cameras.

He then reportedly left the aircraft concealed inside a catering or cargo container before boarding a smaller US Air Force plane positioned nearby.

Air Force One later departed Turkey carrying journalists and senior officials who apparently did not know Trump had switched aircraft.

Some travelling reporters reportedly expressed anger after discovering they had remained on the presidential jet despite the security concern.

Trump suggested the aircraft he ultimately used may actually have faced greater danger because an attacker could have anticipated the switch.

Possible missile threat reported

The Wall Street Journal, as cited in the supplied report, said Israel had warned the United States about a possible shoulder-fired missile threat against Air Force One.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was reportedly among the officials who remained aboard the presidential aircraft.

Journalists were also instructed by the Secret Service to keep the aircraft’s window shades lowered during takeoff, an unusual measure outside conflict zones.

Congress seeks answers

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called for Congress to receive a briefing on the reported Iranian threat and the measures used to move Trump out of Turkey.

The incident has also renewed scrutiny of the Qatar-supplied Boeing 747 used by Trump during parts of the trip.

Reports said the aircraft had not yet been equipped with the same anti-missile protection available on the established presidential fleet.

Trump dismissed concerns about the threats against him, saying high-profile presidents routinely face security risks.