President Donald Trump’s aircraft, Air Force One, was forced to abort its journey to Switzerland and return to Washington on Tuesday evening after what officials described as a “minor electrical issue”. The plane turned back shortly after departure, and Mr Trump boarded another aircraft, an Air Force C-32, to continue his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was taken “out of an abundance of caution” once the crew detected the fault. A White House pool reporter noted that lights in the press cabin flickered off briefly after take-off, though no further explanation was given at the time.
The two ageing jets serving as Air Force One have been in service for nearly four decades, and efforts by Boeing to deliver replacements have been beset by repeated delays. Controversy arose in 2025 when Qatar’s ruling family presented Mr Trump with a luxury Boeing 747-8 for the presidential fleet, a gesture that drew intense scrutiny; the aircraft is presently being refitted to meet US security standards. Speaking to reporters, Ms Leavitt quipped that the Qatari jet was sounding like the “much better” option at that moment.
The unscheduled turnaround was expected to delay Mr Trump’s arrival in Davos, where the meeting is overshadowed by his threat of tariffs on European countries over Greenland, which he remains determined to acquire. Before departing, Mr Trump told reporters: “Let’s put it this way: it’s going to be a very interesting Davos.” Earlier, at a press briefing, he was asked how far he would go to acquire Greenland and replied: “You’ll find out.”
The delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett. Technical problems on the presidential jet are rare due to meticulous maintenance, but past incidents include a mechanical malfunction in 2006 that forced George W Bush to switch aircraft, and recent issues with military planes carrying Mr Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
