President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet instead of the newer plane donated by Qatar, due to a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, according to U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News.

Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence detected a credible plot to fire a missile at the presidential plane. The initial report of threats from Iranian proxies was first published by The New York Times.

Trump traveled to Ankara, Turkey, on the newly donated $400 million Boeing 747-8 Air Force One, gifted by the Qatari government and retrofitted for presidential use. However, he flew from Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older Air Force One before switching back to the newer plane to complete his journey to the United States.

This switch raised questions about the security of the new plane. CBS News reported that the older plane was used at the Secret Service's suggestion as a precaution amid escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion tactics 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 intensify, President Trump has acknowledged potential threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles.

Sources