**CIA Had ‘Low Confidence’ in Trump Assassination Plot Claims – WaPo**
The Washington Post has reported that the U.S. intelligence community expressed skepticism regarding allegations of an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The purported plan involved shooting down Air Force One as it departed from a NATO summit in Türkiye. Despite the low confidence assessment from the CIA, the Secret Service took precautionary measures by covertly relocating Trump to a different aircraft.
The details surrounding this incident came to light when U.S. media disclosed that Trump had switched from a newly acquired Boeing 747-8, gifted by Qatar, to the older Air Force One. However, it was later revealed that Trump did not remain on the older aircraft; instead, he was transported via an airport catering truck to a smaller military plane bound for the UK. Upon arrival, he reportedly reboarded the older Air Force One to create the illusion that he had remained on it throughout the journey.
According to an unnamed intelligence official, the reports regarding the assassination threat were derived from Israeli sources rather than U.S. intelligence, leading to a "low confidence" assessment. This skepticism was communicated to the Trump administration, yet the Secret Service proceeded with the precautionary measures.
The incident has ignited controversy, particularly among journalists and high-ranking officials who were left uninformed about the situation. CNN senior reporter Aaron Blake remarked that reporters felt they had been treated as "unwitting and unknowing decoys very much in the line of fire."
Trump addressed the situation on Tuesday, confirming the switch of planes and emphasizing that he was following the recommendations of the Secret Service and military personnel. "I go by Secret Service and the military. They wanted me to go in a different flight, different plane. I just have to do what they say," he stated to reporters.
The unfolding scandal coincides with the announcement of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's departure from her role. Leavitt, who is leaving her position at the end of the month to spend more time with her family, has become the subject of speculation regarding her involvement in the incident. The 28-year-old, who recently welcomed her second child in May, returned to the White House in June after a brief hiatus. The abrupt timing of her departure has led to theories that she may have been among those left on the decoy aircraft, potentially contributing to her decision to resign.
As the situation continues to develop, it raises questions about the communication protocols within the administration and the implications of intelligence assessments on national security measures. The incident underscores the complexities of managing security for high-profile individuals and the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in evaluating threats.