President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet rather than the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane. The New York Times initially reported the threats from Iranian proxies.

Trump flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom, before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the decision to use the older plane was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions with Iran. Sources familiar with the matter said the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics.

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."

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

Sources