Overview
- The president left the NATO summit in Ankara on an older Air Force One and later boarded the Qatar‑donated Boeing 747 at RAF Mildenhall to continue to the United States.
- U.S. Secret Service advisers told officials the swap was prudent because the newly converted 747 does not appear to have all of the tested defensive capabilities that the older presidential plane carries.
- The White House defended the new jet as modern and secure, with Communications Director Steven Cheung saying high security protocols are in place even as officials review its systems.
- Reporting also says Israeli intelligence recently warned U.S. officials about an alleged Iranian plot targeting the president, a development that media and officials cited when discussing the precaution.
- The episode has renewed political scrutiny of accepting a $350–400 million gifted and rapidly converted plane from Qatar and could prompt more inspections, retrofits, and congressional oversight.