Trump's Use of Old Air Force One Sparks Security Concerns

WHO:

CBS News - President Trump

CBS News - White House communications director Steven Cheung

CBS News - U.S. officials

ABC News - Two U.S. officials

WHAT:

CBS News - The older Air Force One is equipped with secure communication systems and sophisticated military defenses.

CBS News - The older planes that serve as Air Force One have laser technology to blind incoming missiles and other diversion technologies.

CBS News - The new Qatari-gifted plane was hurried into service and is lacking some desired capabilities, according to U.S. officials.

CBS News - Trump stated, "If I go, you go," during a discussion about Iranian threats against him.

CBS News - The change in plans was influenced by differences in the plane security capabilities, although not prompted by a specific threat.

CBS News - The Secret Service advised President Trump to use the old Air Force One to leave Turkey instead of the new plane donated by Qatar.

CBS News - The new plane was hurried into service and lacks some desired capabilities.

CBS News - The older Air Force One has laser technology to blind incoming missiles and other diversion technologies.

CBS News - The Qataris gifted the new plane, valued at $400 million, last year.

CBS News - President Trump returned to the new Qatari-gifted plane after landing in the United Kingdom.

CBS News - Trump stated, "If I go, you go," during a discussion about Iranian threats against him.

WHERE:

CBS News - Turkey (departure location)

CBS News - United Kingdom (arrival location)

CBS News - NATO summit

WHEN:

CBS News - The old Air Force One was used for departure from Turkey on a Wednesday.

CBS News - The new plane was gifted by Qatar last year.

WHY:

CBS News - The decision to use the old plane was made to ensure the president's ability to manage the war with Iran from the air and for his security.

ABC News - The change in plans was influenced by differences in the plane security capabilities, although not prompted by a specific threat.

HOW:

CBS News - The Secret Service recommended the use of the older plane as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing war with Iran.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 19:25 UTC)

In a strategic move to enhance security amid the ongoing war with Iran, the Secret Service has recommended that President Trump use the older Air Force One, which is equipped with advanced communication systems and military defenses. This decision comes as the new Qatari-gifted plane, rushed into service, lacks some desired capabilities, prompting concerns about the president's safety and ability to manage the situation from the air. During discussions about Iranian threats, Trump emphasized his commitment to security by stating, "If I go, you go," highlighting the importance of having a reliable aircraft for his protection.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 18:32 UTC)

President Trump departed Turkey on the older Air Force One after the Secret Service recommended its use for enhanced security amid the ongoing war with Iran. The decision was made due to the new Qatari-gifted plane, valued at $400 million, lacking some critical capabilities, including advanced missile defense technology. After landing in the United Kingdom for a NATO summit, Trump emphasized his commitment to security, stating, "If I go, you go," during discussions about Iranian threats against him.