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 president's plane. The news of threats from Iranian proxies was initially reported by The New York Times.

Trump flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated Air Force One, a $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar and retrofitted to carry the president. However, he flew from Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane for his return to the United States. This swap raised concerns about the security of the new aircraft.

CBS News reported that the use of the older plane was at the suggestion of the Secret Service as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Sources familiar with the matter said 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."

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