President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision came after U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he flew from Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane for the remainder of his trip to the United States.

The swap raised security concerns about the new plane. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics to misdirect threats.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the President's travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete. During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One."

CBS News reported that the use of the older plane was recommended by the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions and conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The initial news of threats from Iranian proxies was first reported by The New York Times.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent statement on Truth Social referencing the possibility of 1,000 missiles.

Sources