Air Force One Returns After Minor Electrical Glitch

Post by : Bianca Hayes

President Trump's aircraft, Air Force One, had to circle back to Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday evening shortly after takeoff for Switzerland.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that the flight crew opted to return after they identified a minor electrical fault. The return was done as a safety precaution.

An onboard reporter mentioned that the lights in the press area momentarily went dark post-takeoff, but there were no further details provided.

Leavitt assured that President Trump would still head to the World Economic Forum in Davos by boarding a different aircraft once back.

The current fleet of Air Force One planes has been operational for close to 40 years. Boeing is developing new replacements, although the program has encountered numerous setbacks.

Recently, the Qatari royal family presented Trump with a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet to add to the Air Force One fleet, prompting considerable public attention. This jet is undergoing modifications to meet U.S. security requirements.

In a light-hearted moment, Leavitt quipped to reporters that the Qatari jet was sounding “much better” at the moment.

Jan. 21, 2026 11:10 a.m. 233

Global News