President Trump raises questions about the security of a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8 serving as Air Force One after reportedly switching planes during his return from a NATO summit in Turkey. Multiple U.S. outlets and reporting cited by international wire services say the Secret Service advised Trump to depart Turkey on an older Air Force One while sending the Qatar-donated aircraft ahead to a British airbase, where it would be available for U.S. troops to tour. The New York Times reports the newer aircraft does not include the full set of defensive countermeasures associated with the older model, including anti-missile capabilities. Additional reporting notes that journalists traveling on the older plane were instructed to keep window blinds down.
Trump denies there are security concerns and, when discussing the decision later, points to alleged threats involving Iran. The White House defends the aircraft’s safety, saying the jet has “state-of-the-art” security protocols and that the administration uses measures it describes as “distraction and misdirection.” Officials also say details of security equipment are not publicly disclosed. Separate commentary in the broader reporting notes ethical concerns around a foreign power donating a presidential aircraft and mentions prior calls from lawmakers for explanations about national security implications.
