President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard an older Air Force One jet rather than the newer Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.

The U.S. detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the presidential plane, prompting the Secret Service to suggest using the older aircraft as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newer $400 million plane, which had been retrofitted over several months to carry the president. 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 older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems, according to sources familiar with the matter. This swap raised questions about the security of the newer plane.

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. As tensions with Iran continue, President Trump has acknowledged possible 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