Trump abruptly ditched new Air Force One over undisclosed 'security threat', fresh reports reveal
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's decision to avoid flying home from Turkey aboard the recently acquired Qatari aircraft has drawn fresh attention after multiple US officials revealed that security considerations influenced the move.
According to reports by multiple media outlets published on Thursday, July 9, Trump used the long-serving presidential aircraft while the newer plane was sent ahead to Britain.
The development comes as tensions with Iran continue to escalate following recent US military action.
🚨 UPDATE: The US Secret Service reportedly urged President Trump to take the OLD Air Force One when he flew out of Turkey for security reasons, as fighting with Iran resumed
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 9, 2026
"He was advised to make the switch as a precaution, NOT due to a specific threat."
Press were also told… pic.twitter.com/cwkcUvXzga
'Security concerns' spark fresh scrutiny
Although Trump publicly described the aircraft switch as an opportunity for American troops in Britain to view the newly acquired plane, officials familiar with the planning say another factor was at play behind the scenes.
According to several US officials, advisers responsible for presidential security believed the veteran presidential aircraft offered greater confidence for a trip taking place amid heightened regional tensions.
While they stressed there was no specific assassination plot or immediate threat targeting Trump, the overall security environment prompted additional caution.
The aircraft Trump eventually boarded has spent decades serving as the presidential transport and was purpose-built with layers of specialized protective technology.
"Were you aware of any credible threat by Iran against Air Force One?"@POTUS: "I have a threat all the time. I'm number one on their list, before you — but if I go, you go, right? So perhaps some of you want to change professions." 🤣 pic.twitter.com/5VlZBBySwx
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 9, 2026
The newer Boeing 747, donated by Qatar and modified for presidential use, has entered service only recently after an accelerated refurbishment process.
Iran tensions shape security calculations
The travel decision came shortly after Trump addressed reporters during the NATO summit, where he openly discussed the risks created by the confrontation with Iran.
The president suggested he considered himself a potential target after ordering recent military strikes, telling reporters that he believed Iranian leaders would want to eliminate him.
Officials familiar with the travel planning said those comments reflected the broader atmosphere surrounding the trip.
Before departing Turkey, Trump announced that the Qatari aircraft had been flown ahead to RAF Mildenhall in England so American service members stationed there could tour it before he arrived.
He later repeated that explanation, saying the early transfer allowed military personnel to become the first visitors aboard the aircraft.
However, when questioned separately about unusual security procedures during the flight, including reporters being instructed to keep window shades closed during departure, Trump acknowledged that operating in the current geopolitical climate required extra precautions.
