Trump Swaps Qatari Jet for Old Air Force One on NATO Trip

President Donald Trump flew back from a NATO summit in Turkey on an older Air Force One aircraft instead of the newly retrofitted Qatari-gifted jet he arrived in. The unexpected swap raised questions about security and the readiness of the $400 million retrofitted Boeing 747, which was gifted by Qatar and repainted in a red, white, and navy blue livery. Trump announced on Truth Social that the new jet would be sent to RAF Mildenhall in the UK for U.S. service members to tour, while he would fly the older aircraft "for old time’s sake." The decision came amid heightened tensions with Iran, which shares a border with Turkey. Security experts have noted that the new plane lacks some missile detection and countermeasure systems present in the older jets. Trump did not directly address concerns about security threats but acknowledged the dangers of the presidency during a press conference. The new jet, retrofitted by defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, was intended to serve as a temporary replacement while Boeing delivers long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes. Critics had previously questioned the cost, security, and pace of the retrofit. The older Air Force One, a modified 747-200, has been in service since 1990 and was phased out in favor of the new jet. Trump’s decision to use the older plane for the return trip was framed as a gesture to honor military personnel, though the timing coincided with U.S. strikes in Iran. The new jet’s first international trip was to Turkey, and its security capabilities have been scrutinized since its unveiling.