President Donald Trump flew from Ankara to the United States on Wednesday using the old Air Force One [1].
The decision highlights growing concerns over the safety and security of a presidential aircraft recently gifted to the U.S. by Qatar. The shift back to the older fleet suggests that the Secret Service does not yet trust the integrity of the new vessel for high-profile transport.
Trump had been in Ankara to attend the NATO summit [1]. Upon his departure on July 9 [1], he bypassed the new aircraft in favor of the previous presidential plane. The U.S. Secret Service said against the use of the Qatari-gifted aircraft for the return trip due to security reasons [1].
Trump addressed the change on Truth Social, stating, "Usaré el antiguo Air Force One por razones de seguridad" [1]. In English, the president said he would use the old Air Force One for security reasons.
Reports from The New York Times indicate the Secret Service said the president not to employ the new plane for the flight from Turkey [1]. This directive revives previous questions regarding potential safety problems and vulnerabilities associated with the gift from Qatar [1].
While the new aircraft was intended to modernize the presidential fleet, the current reluctance of security officials to utilize it for international travel creates a diplomatic and operational complication. The old Air Force One remains the primary secure transport for the president until these concerns are resolved [1].
“"Usaré el antiguo Air Force One por razones de seguridad."”
The refusal of the Secret Service to clear the Qatari-gifted aircraft for use indicates a significant breach of trust or a technical failure in the plane's security systems. This creates a diplomatic awkwardness between the U.S. and Qatar, as a high-profile gift intended to strengthen ties is now viewed as a liability to the president's safety.
