‘Suspicious phone call’ triggers security alert at Trump airport hours before POTUS’ departure
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: After a mid-flight plane switch raised fresh questions about Donald Trump’s travel security, another security alert emerged at an airport named after the president.
Chaos ensued at President Donald J Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, October 18, after a suspicious phone call triggered a security response just hours before the president was scheduled to depart.
Suspicious call triggers security alert at Trump airport
Law enforcement launched an investigation into the suspicious call as a heavy police presence was reported at the terminal and roads leading to the facility were closed.
"Law enforcement is investigating a suspicious phone call. As a precaution, PBSO has slowed traffic entering the terminal. Travelers may experience delays," the airport's X account reported at 1:23 pm.
Law enforcement is investigating a suspicious phone call. As a precaution, PBSO has slowed traffic entering the terminal. Travelers may experience delays. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Thanks for your patience & cooperation.
— President Donald J. Trump International Airport (@fly_DJT) October 18, 2026
Officials did not disclose the nature of the call but urged travelers to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and thanked them for their patience.
The call came just hours before Trump, who had been spending the weekend in Florida, was scheduled to fly to Washington, DC.
A source told WPTV that some travelers were seen getting out of their cars and walking to the airport after vehicle access to the arrivals and departures areas was temporarily blocked.
Airport operations returned to normal nearly an hour later, with roadways to the terminal reopened to the public.
Trump’s secret plane switch amid assassination threat concerns
Trump’s security arrangements have faced heightened scrutiny since the start of his second term, including an incident in July when he reportedly switched planes in secret while returning from Turkey amid unspecified security concerns.
Trump told reporters that the “Secret Service and the military” made the decision.
“They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane,” he confirmed a month later. “I guess there was a threat out there.”
NBC News previously confirmed The Washington Post’s reporting that Trump surreptitiously moved to an unmarked jet using a catering truck on July 8 after boarding Air Force One in front of cameras.
He flew on the jet from Ankara to a base in the United Kingdom, while reporters and White House staff members believed he was aboard Air Force One.
Those left behind on the decoy plane included members of the media and senior White House staff, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who are in the presidential line of succession.
According to a report citing a US official, the aircraft switch came amid concerns about a fresh Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, potentially involving a shoulder-fired missile targeting Air Force One as it departed Turkey.
When asked about the safety of the decoy Air Force One jet, Trump claimed he had been at greater risk on the other plane.
"I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk," Trump said. "I think it was at greater risk because that would be the plane I think that we, that they would be more likely to go for."
