WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump returned to the United States from the NATO summit in Turkey after unexpectedly using the older Air Force One aircraft for the first leg of his journey, while the newer Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar flew separately to Britain before carrying him onward to Washington.
The aircraft change, made after Trump departed Ankara, drew attention because the trip marked the first overseas mission for the refurbished aircraft that entered presidential service earlier this month. The White House said the newer jet was flown to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in eastern England so U.S. service members stationed there could view the aircraft before it continued its journey.
Posting on Truth Social before departure, Trump said troops would have "a chance to tour the Aircraft" and wrote that he would travel on the previous Air Force One "for old time's sake." At a news conference in Turkey, he repeated that explanation, saying the newer aircraft would be displayed at major U.S. military facilities in Britain before he boarded it later for the transatlantic flight.
The mid-trip aircraft swap prompted questions from reporters because it came as tensions involving Iran remained elevated following recent U.S. military action. Asked whether security concerns influenced the decision, Trump did not directly confirm that was the reason. He instead referred to previous threats against him and said the life of a president was inherently dangerous.
Several U.S. media outlets, citing unnamed officials, reported that the newer aircraft does not yet possess the full range of defensive and secure communications systems carried by the long-serving VC-25A presidential aircraft. According to those reports, security officials preferred that Trump use the older aircraft while departing Turkey before switching planes in Britain.
The White House rejected suggestions that the aircraft was unsafe. Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed reports that security shortcomings forced the change, calling such accounts inaccurate while maintaining that the aircraft incorporates appropriate security enhancements.
The Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 has faced scrutiny since its acceptance because of ethical, constitutional and security questions surrounding the use of a foreign-gifted aircraft as a temporary presidential transport while Boeing continues work on delayed next-generation Air Force One replacements. The administration has defended the arrangement, saying the aircraft underwent modifications before entering service.
Trump ultimately completed his return to Washington aboard the newer aircraft after changing planes at RAF Mildenhall, according to the White House and pool reports.
