President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer Boeing 747-8 plane donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision followed the detection of 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 Air Force One, which the U.S. accepted from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older Air Force One for his flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States on the newer plane.

The swap raised questions about the security of 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.

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 in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The New York Times was the first to report on the threats from Iranian proxies.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social mentioning 1,000 missiles potentially targeting him.

Sources