President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane recently donated by Qatar, U.S. officials told CBS News. The decision came after U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot by Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara on the new Air Force One, a $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older plane for his flight from Turkey to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States on the newer aircraft.

The older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. This technology was a key factor in the Secret Service's suggestion to use the older plane as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

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. The swap between planes has prompted questions regarding the security measures of the new Air Force One amid ongoing concerns over the president's safety.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats, noting on Truth Social earlier this month that 1,000 missiles were "for immediate use if Iran attempts to assassinate him."

Sources