Trump Switched From Qatar's Jet to Air Force One Over Security Concerns

President Donald Trump departed last night (Wednesday) from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, aboard the older Air Force One, rather than the new Boeing 747-8 he recently received as a gift from Qatar. According to a report published in The New York Times, the decision was made at the last minute following a recommendation from the U.S. Secret Service amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to the report, Trump had originally been scheduled to return to Washington on the new aircraft. However, sources familiar with the matter said the plan changed shortly before takeoff. They stressed that the decision was not prompted by a specific threat, but was taken as a precaution after the Secret Service determined that the new plane does not yet have all the operational capabilities of the existing Air Force One.

The report also said that, as part of the heightened security measures, passengers were instructed to lower their window shades before takeoff. Trump departed Ankara quickly and away from the media. Only after the older presidential aircraft landed safely at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom did the president reboard the new Qatari jet, which then continued on to Washington.

Later, Trump confirmed to reporters that passengers had been instructed to close the window shades because they were "on a dangerous plane" due to the Iranian threat.

At the same time, the White House sought to downplay suggestions that the aircraft change reflected concerns about the new jet's safety. Trump said the switch was intended to allow the new aircraft to depart earlier and stop at military bases so he could "show it off" to U.S. troops.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also rejected claims that the new aircraft is unsafe. He said it is equipped with security measures at the highest level, adding that "there are many enemies of America watching the president, and we use every tool—including distraction and deception—to deal with those threats."