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, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

Officials revealed that the U.S. detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the presidential plane. The New York Times was first to report on threats from Iranian proxies.

Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by Qatar 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 newer plane for the final leg back to the United States. This swap raised questions about the security of the new plane.

CBS News reported that the decision to use the older plane was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. Sources 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."

As the 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