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Several Cabinet officials stayed behind on Air Force One decoy during Trump ruse

Washington Examiner · back to the audit

President Donald Trump was joined only by a single Cabinet member when he was secretly whisked onto a second plane, with two Cabinet members remaining behind, according to a new report.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Trump on the C-32A after he snuck onto it with aides Natalie Harp, Dan Scavino, and Walt Nauta, people familiar with the matter told CNN. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent flew back from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Air Force One, and were aware of the president's move, according to CBS News.

Trump confirmed his switch-up to reporters on Tuesday, saying he was obeying recommendations from the Secret Service and the military.