Trump Abruptly Switches Back To Old Air Force One Instead Of Qatari Plane

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump switched from the new gifted Qatari VIP jet to the older Air Force One for his flight from Ankara 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.
• Trump acknowledged being "number one on the kill list for Iran" and indicated he faces constant threats, though the plane switch was reportedly a precaution advised by the Secret Service rather than due to a specific threat.
• The New York Times reported the new Qatari jet lacks all the security features of the older Air Force One, prompting the Secret Service to recommend the temporary use of the older aircraft for enhanced protection.
• Former Biden Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall expressed doubts about the new jet meeting typical Air Force One security standards, while a senior Trump official and Air Force spokesperson defended the plane’s safety and certification.
• The gifted Qatari jet, accepted by the Trump administration in 2023, is intended as a temporary "bridge" aircraft while Boeing develops new custom Air Force One planes; its renovation costs are estimated to be significantly higher than the official $400 million figure.