WASHINGTON – A secret operation that reportedly smuggled U.S. President Donald Trump off Air Force One in a catering truck before the plane departed carrying journalists and top aides at apparent risk of an Iranian strike has raised questions over U.S. security practices.

The Washington Post reported Monday that Trump covertly exited the presidential plane while it was on the ground in Turkey on July 8 as his security team deployed a plan to evade an assassination threat.

Some traveling media expressed anger at having unwittingly served as decoys, while others complained about deception and lack of communication from the White House.