Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump was forced to turn around shortly after takeoff Tuesday night, making an unexpected return to Andrews Air Force Base as the president traveled to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
CNN first reported that the aircraft experienced what officials described as a “small mechanical issue,” prompting the crew to reverse course. The plane landed safely back at Andrews, and officials emphasized that the problem was not serious and did not alter the president’s travel plans.
During CNN NewsNight, anchor Abby Phillip cut away from her panel to White House correspondent Kristen Holmes, who confirmed that Air Force One had turned around. Holmes said a source familiar with the situation explained the decision was made out of caution and that the president would continue to Davos aboard a backup aircraft.
Holmes said the process would likely involve a full deplaning of the president and his team, followed by boarding one of the backup planes stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. She stressed that officials were confident Trump would still arrive in time for his appearance in Switzerland.
Later, during Laura Coates Live, Holmes provided additional details, saying the issue appeared to be electrical. She relayed information from a reporter who was aboard the plane, noting that shortly after takeoff the lights went out, signaling the problem that led to the return.
As events unfolded on the ground, confusion briefly spread among members of the White House press pool. At 11:34 p.m., CBS White House correspondent Ed O’Keefe reported that after reporters had deplaned and stood on the tarmac for several minutes, they were instructed to return to the original aircraft. O’Keefe said the White House told reporters they could not remain on the tarmac or in the flight line, and at that point there was still no clear guidance on whether the president would switch planes.
Minutes later, at 11:49 p.m., O’Keefe provided another update indicating that the press pool boarded a new jet. However, reporters did not see the president leave the original Air Force One to board the backup plane. O’Keefe described visible activity around the aircraft, including several staffers deplaning with their luggage.
Among those seen exiting were staff members carrying bags, while the flight crew moved quickly to transfer supplies. Boxes of fruit, wrapped sandwiches, and beverages were hurriedly carried in and out of the plane. On the ground, workers were observed unloading roughly a dozen suitcases and placing them onto a truck. Inside the cabin, televisions were reportedly tuned to Fox News, which was displaying a chyron referencing the aircraft’s electrical issue.
Despite the disruption, the White House made clear that the president’s schedule remained intact. Trump is still slated to speak at the World Economic Forum, where his presence has already drawn attention due to his recent comments and demands regarding Greenland.
Trump has pushed publicly for Denmark to sell Greenland to the United States, a proposal that has been rejected by Danish officials and other European leaders. The issue has sparked international debate and is expected to loom over discussions in Davos as global leaders gather.
The brief scare involving Air Force One did not deter the trip, and officials emphasized that the safety protocols worked exactly as intended. With a backup aircraft available and the issue addressed, Trump’s travel to Switzerland is continuing as planned.
