Trump ditches new Qatar-gifted Air Force One for old jet after NATO summit, citing Iran threat

Arrival and departure

Donald Trump arrived in Ankara on Tuesday aboard the new red-liveried Boeing 747 donated by Qatar. But when he left Turkey the next evening after the NATO summit, he switched to the older blue-and-white Air Force One. Journalists on the older plane were told to pull down their window shades on departure, an unusual instruction.

Security fears

According to the New York Times, the US Secret Service requested the change for security reasons. The new aircraft, hastily modified by the US military after Qatar's gift, does not yet have all the defensive technology fitted on the legacy jet. Trump hinted at a threat from Iran, with whom hostilities have resumed.

I'm number one on the list targeted by Iran.

He added:

I don't know. I can't tell you that, but honestly, I don't care.

A tour for the troops

The new jet flew instead to two or three major US military bases in Europe. Trump said it was so American soldiers could see the aircraft, describing it as "really magnificent." Later, the plane arrived at RAF Mildenhall in England, where the president boarded it for the flight back to Washington.

Gift controversy

The Boeing 747, valued at $400 million, was accepted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in May 2025. Its use as Air Force One has drawn sharp criticism over ethics and security. Democratic lawmakers estimate the adaptation work cost over $1 billion, and they question whether the plane meets presidential safety standards given the accelerated modification schedule.

The jet, repainted in Trump's chosen red, white, dark blue and gold scheme, is a stopgap while two purpose-built Boeing 747-8s ordered in 2018 are delayed. That programme, originally priced at $3.9 billion, is running about four years behind and not expected until mid-2028.