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 missile threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, CBS News reported on July 24, 2026.

The U.S. identified a credible plot to fire a missile at the presidential plane, prompting the Secret Service to advise the use of the older aircraft as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump initially flew to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8, which the U.S. received from Qatar last year and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he switched to the older Air Force One for the flight from Ankara to the United Kingdom, before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States.

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. The swap raised questions about the security features of the new 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 intensify, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources