President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet instead of the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 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 president's plane. Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had retrofitted over several months to carry the president. However, for his departure from Ankara to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet, before returning to the U.S. on the newer plane.

The swap raised concerns about the security of the new plane. Sources told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and other diversion systems, providing enhanced protection.

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 initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times. CBS News also reported that the decision to use the older plane was made at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

President Trump has acknowledged possible Iranian threats to his safety, noting on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were "for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him."

Sources