President Trump left the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, earlier this month aboard the older Air Force One jet rather than the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar. U.S. officials informed CBS News that this decision followed a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups to fire a missile at the president's plane.

Trump initially flew to Ankara on the newly donated Air Force One, which the U.S. had spent months retrofitting to carry the president. However, for his departure from Turkey to the United Kingdom, he switched to the older Air Force One jet before returning to the newer plane for the final leg back to the United States.

The swap raised concerns about the security of the new plane. Sources told CBS News that the older Air Force One jets are equipped with laser technology designed to blind incoming missiles and employ diversion systems to misdirect attacks. CBS News also reported that the Secret Service suggested using 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. As tensions with Iran increase, President Trump has acknowledged possible threats to his safety, including a recent post on Truth Social referencing 1,000 missiles potentially aimed at him.

Sources