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The United States presidential plane, Air Force One, unexpectedly returned on Tuesday night to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland shortly after taking off with Donald Trump on board.
The president was heading to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum this Wednesday.
The White House reported that the crew detected a "minor electrical issue" after takeoff and decided to return "as a precaution."
The incident forced a change of aircraft and delayed the president's arrival in Europe.
Interrupted flight midway through the journey
The initial takeoff took place around 9:40 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday. Approximately half an hour later, while the plane was in mid-flight, journalists on board were informed that the aircraft would turn back.
Air Force One landed again at Joint Base Andrews at 11:07 p.m., having spent less than an hour in the air.
According to a reporter traveling with the presidential entourage, the lights in the press cabin briefly went out shortly after takeoff.
No details were provided on whether this incident was directly related to the reported issue.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the incident from inside the plane.
"The crew identified a minor electrical issue and, as a precaution, it was decided to return to base", he stated. Leavitt was accompanying the president during the flight.
Changing planes in the middle of the night
Once on land, Trump boarded another aircraft, an Air Force C-32, a Boeing 757 modified to presidential specifications.
This plane is typically used for domestic flights or destinations with small airports. The second takeoff occurred shortly after midnight, allowing the trip to Davos to continue with a delay of approximately two hours.
The new departure occurred without major incidents. However, the incident raised questions about the safety and reliability of the presidential air fleet, especially in a context of high international visibility.
The Air Force One fleet and its challenges
The two planes currently serving as Air Force One —Boeing VC-25, a variant of the 747— have been in operation for nearly 40 years. Despite their multiple upgrades, these aircraft have faced criticism for their age.
They are equipped with radiation shielding, missile defense technology, and sophisticated communication systems that enable the president to stay in contact with high military command and issue orders from anywhere in the world.
For years, Boeing has been working on new models to replace the current fleet, but the program has faced constant delays and cost overruns.
In this context, last year the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxurious Boeing 747-8 with the aim of adding it to the presidential fleet.
The aircraft is being modified to meet the safety standards of Air Force One.
In a joking manner, Karoline Leavitt commented during the incident: “A Qatari jet sounds much better right now.”
Recent precedents of official aerial incidents
The case is not isolated. In February 2025, a military aircraft carrying then Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to return to Washington due to a mechanical failure.
In October, a military aircraft with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on board had to make an emergency landing in the United Kingdom due to a crack in the windshield.
Although all these incidents were resolved without major consequences, they highlight a worrying trend regarding the condition of certain aircraft that transport key figures of the U.S. government.
Trump heading to Davos
Despite the setback, Trump maintained his travel schedule to Davos, where he plans to deliver a speech and meet with international leaders.
He is accompanied by members of his team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The World Economic Forum, held annually in the Swiss Alps, serves as a strategic platform to enhance the international presence of the U.S. president.
This time, however, the journey began with an unusual setback, leaving a lingering question in the air: how reliable is the most iconic plane of American power still?
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