President Trump left the NATO summit held in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, according to U.S. officials who spoke to 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 presidential aircraft.

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

CBS News reported that the swap was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions and conflict with Iran. The older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect threats, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

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."

The news of threats from Iranian proxies was initially reported by The New York Times. As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including mentioning on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were prepared for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him.

The decision to use the older plane amid credible threats has raised questions about the security features of the newer Air Force One.

Sources