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, after U.S. officials detected a credible threat from 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, which the U.S. accepted as a gift from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he departed Ankara for the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One jet before switching back to the newer plane to complete his journey back to the United States.

The decision to use the older plane was reportedly made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions with Iran. The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems 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."

The credible threat from Iranian proxies was first reported by The New York Times, and U.S. officials confirmed the detection of a missile plot to CBS News. This security measure has raised questions about the safety features of the new Air Force One.

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

Sources