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Trump Abruptly Switches Back To Old Air Force One Instead Of Qatari Plane
Forbes • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump switched from the new gifted Qatari VIP jet to the older Air Force One during his flight from Turkey to the U.K., then reverted to the new jet on his return, raising questions about the new plane’s security amid tensions with Iran.
- The switch was reportedly advised by the Secret Service due to the Qatari jet lacking some security features present in the older Air Force One, though no specific threat from Iran was cited.
- Former Biden Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall expressed doubts about the new jet meeting typical Air Force One security standards, while a senior Trump administration official maintained it passed all FAA safety protocols and is fully secure.
- Trump acknowledged being a prime target for Iran and suggested the U.S. might strike Iran again, declaring the ceasefire between the two countries “over” and criticizing ongoing negotiations as a “waste of time.”
- The gifted Qatari jet, accepted in May last year and upgraded at an estimated cost of up to $1 billion, serves as a temporary "bridge" aircraft until Boeing completes new custom Air Force One planes, with ongoing controversy over its cost and future ownership.
