A flood of memes swept social media following the secret operation to smuggle Donald Trump out of Turkey in July. The American president secretly departed Ankara aboard a different aircraft than Air Force One, as part of a security operation triggered by intelligence reports of an Iranian assassination plot — sparking a wave of AI-generated meme posts across social media platforms.
Read more: Trump’s incredible secret escape from Turkey: Hidden in a catering container, flown out on a military aircraft — Air Force One used as a decoy
Trump’s escape via airport catering cart
Following the conclusion of the NATO Summit in Turkey, the American president quietly left the country on July 8th aboard a military aircraft, while the White House officially maintained the impression that he was traveling on Air Force One. According to the Washington Post, the plan was set in motion when Trump boarded the older Air Force One jet in Ankara in full view of cameras. However, the 80-year-old president was then covertly transferred to a smaller aircraft.
According to sources familiar with the details of the operation, an airport catering vehicle — the type typically used to transport meals and supplies to aircraft — was used to move him discreetly across the tarmac.
Air Force One departed with journalists and members of the American government on board, while Trump was flying on a separate plane. The operation was also reported by the New York Times.
A White House spokesperson, commenting on the reports, stated that there are “many enemies of America” who have targeted the president, and that every available means is being used to counter the threats.
AI memes flood social media
The details of the operation — and the unconventional method used to smuggle Trump out — quickly became fodder for online commentary, with humorous posts and jokes spreading rapidly across social media. Using artificial intelligence tools, users generated images depicting the American president hidden inside catering carts, delivery trucks, and even laundry baskets, while another meme showed Trump crammed inside a serving trolley in an airplane aisle.
Donald Trump reportedly used an airport catering cart to secretly smuggle himself off Air Force One while in Ankara, to evade an assassination threat from Iran.
His staff & reporters were told to lower their blinds on AFO. They were not told they were at risk, & used as a decoy. pic.twitter.com/NllLCv6XJM— cup a joe ☕️ (@deleteZS1) August 11, 2026
The guy posts all sorts of AI generated pictures of himself as some sort of brave and great American hero, when in reality… pic.twitter.com/gxICiNN5tE
— Tony (@TileTony) August 11, 2026
Now is it automatically FOOD CART ONE when they stuff the President inside the catering cart? Or does it go by another name 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ox1UzfqSvA
— Max Goof (@MaxGoof1996) August 11, 2026
Another user shared an image showing the American president inside a metal cart in an airport corridor, surrounded by boxes of McDonald’s fries and bottles of soda.
🚨🚨🚨EXCLUSIVE. Meidas has obtained footage of Trump hiding in the catering truck while switching planes. pic.twitter.com/4sIFmVdB7n
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 11, 2026
Meanwhile, a parody account posted an image showing the American president poking his head out of a McDonald’s delivery truck parked beside Air Force One — a nod to his widely discussed appearance at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s location during the 2024 presidential campaign.
Turkey – Secret Service Tried to Secretly Switch Trump to Different Plane with Catering Truck pic.twitter.com/sPF6dZ8dM0
— Associated Fress (@AssociatedFress) August 11, 2026
Movie references also made their way into the meme wave: one user reworked imagery from Jaws, tweaking the iconic line to read “We’re going to need a bigger catering cart.”
— ☃️Eric Rodham Klobuchar Biden Harris Walz🌈 (@MinneapolisEric) August 11, 2026
In another post, a catering vehicle was depicted painted in Air Force One’s colors and bearing the presidential seal, mockingly dubbed “Food Truck One.”
Never underestimate the capacity that ruthless people with almost endless money have to destroy the world. They have access to anything they want. They have all the technology. They can always find politicians and others to bribe. They can conspire with enemy governments.… https://t.co/8kq6LPEmjr
— Michelle (@Michell33650674) August 11, 2026
“Instead of Air Force One, Trump was on board Catering Truck One,” quipped another user.
Instead of Air Force One, Trump was onboard Catering Truck One. pic.twitter.com/EbAMYFVexL
— dlh2409 (@dlh2409) August 11, 2026
Yet another social media user uploaded a photo of a McDonald’s van with the American president inside.
Trump and airport catering, a perfect match. pic.twitter.com/ttJLfKTc9j
— Johnny Depth (@AcwmBruno) August 11, 2026