The U.S. presidential aircraft experienced a minor electrical system malfunction shortly after takeoff. The White House ordered the plane to return as a safety precaution, leading President Donald Trump to transfer to a backup plane to proceed to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.
The White House revealed that the Air Force One carrying U.S. President Donald Trump to Switzerland had to turn back to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night after detecting a "minor electrical system issue" shortly after departure.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt stated that the decision to return to Andrews Air Force Base was made for "maximum safety" after the crew detected a technical fault shortly after takeoff. Reporters on board noted that the media cabin lights flickered off briefly just after the plane took off.
After safely landing, President Trump and his delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles, transferred to a second plane to continue their journey to Davos for the World Economic Forum.
This incident highlights the current Air Force One aircraft's condition, which is nearly 40 years old, while a new Boeing plane is still facing delivery delays.
However, much attention has focused on the luxurious Boeing 747-8 gifted to Trump by the Qatari royal family in 2025, which is currently undergoing upgrades to meet U.S. safety standards. During the malfunction, Leavitt joked with reporters that the Qatari plane "sounds like a much better option" at this moment.
This delay occurs as Trump faces tensions with Europe, planning to pressure European countries with tariffs related to the "Greenland" issue, which he remains determined to acquire. Before departure, Trump told the media, "This year's Davos meeting will be very interesting." When asked about the Greenland acquisition plan, he replied briefly, "You'll find out soon enough."
Although the presidential aircraft is well maintained, technical problems have frequently affected government planes over the past year. For example, in February 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's plane had to return to Washington due to engine trouble. In October 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plane made an emergency landing in the UK because of a cracked windshield. In 2006, President George W. Bush's Air Force One experienced a malfunction in Ho Chi Minh City, necessitating a switch to a backup plane.