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

Officials detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the plane, prompting the Secret Service to suggest the use of the older aircraft as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump initially flew to Ankara on the new Air Force One but switched to the older plane for his flight from Turkey to the United Kingdom before returning to the United States on the newer jet.

The older Air Force One planes are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. This swap raised questions about the security of the president's 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 the conflict with Iran intensifies, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources