Trump Air Force One threat prompted jet swap after Turkey summit
U.S. officials told CBS News a credible Iran-linked missile threat led the Secret Service to put Trump on the older Air Force One.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
A Trump Air Force One threat tied to Iran and allied proxy groups led U.S. security officials to switch the president onto the older presidential jet after a NATO summit in Turkey, U.S. officials told CBS News.
The officials said the United States had picked up intelligence about a credible plan to launch a missile at the plane. After that warning, the Secret Service moved quickly to use a backup plan, CBS News reported.
The New York Times first reported the threat from Iranian proxies, according to CBS News.
Why did Trump switch Air Force One in Turkey?
Trump had flown into Ankara on the newer Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, but he left Turkey aboard the older Air Force One after the summit ended, CBS News reported. He then flew from Ankara to the United Kingdom on the older aircraft before returning to the newer jet for the final leg back to the United States.
The unusual aircraft change drew attention because the Qatar-donated plane had recently entered presidential service after months of work. CBS News reported earlier this month that the Secret Service had recommended using the older aircraft as a precaution during the U.S.-Iran war.
Officials familiar with the matter previously told CBS News that the older planes used as Air Force One carry defensive gear including laser technology intended to blind an incoming missile, a system that could throw off incoming munitions, and other diversion technologies. CBS News said it was unclear what defensive systems are installed on the newer Qatari jet.
What is known about the Qatar-donated plane?
The aircraft Trump used to fly to Turkey is a Boeing 747-8 valued at $400 million, CBS News reported. The United States accepted it as a gift from Qatar last year, then spent months retrofitting it so it could carry the president.
The White House said this week that Trump will keep using the older plane while the newer 747 receives more security work.
“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,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to CBS News. “During that time, the President will fly on the old Air Force One.”
Trump also addressed the work, telling reporters the newer aircraft already “has a lot of capability,” while adding that it will be “maxed out” over the next month, CBS News reported.
How has Trump responded to possible Iranian threats?
Trump has publicly acknowledged the possibility of Iranian threats against him as the war with Iran intensifies, CBS News reported.
Earlier this month, he wrote on Truth Social that 1,000 missiles were “Locked and Loaded” for immediate use if Iran tried to assassinate him.
“Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” Trump wrote, according to CBS News.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.