Air Force One experienced a “minor electrical issue” and was forced to return to Maryland Tuesday night shortly after President Trump took off for Switzerland, the White House said.
The issue was identified by the crew after takeoff to Davos, where Trump is slated to deliver a keynote speech to European leaders at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
President Trump boards Air Force One for travel to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from Joint Base Andrews. Getty Images
Trump’s flight turned around just south of Long Island. ADSB ExchangeAir Force One will land at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump will board a new plane, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Trump’s arrival in Zurich will be delayed as a result, the press secretary added.
Leavitt also joked to reporters Tuesday night that flying aboard a Qatari jet sounded “much better” right now.
Trump was gifted a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet by Qatar’s royal family in May. The luxury aircraft was intended to replace Air Force One, but it is still being retrofitted to meet security requirements.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival in the city, agitated demonstrators in Zurich torched US flags and vandalized American businesses on Monday night over his push to acquire Greenland.
Air Force One returns to Joint Base Andrews on January 20, 2026. Getty Images
People walk off Air Force One toward the tarmac after returning to Joint Base Andrews on January 20, 2026. Getty ImagesTrump has repeatedly expressed his intention to take control of Greenland, escalating tensions between the US and its European allies.
The president has not ruled out US military intervention, even warning that the US could choose to pull out of NATO if it’s barred from taking over the autonomous Danish territory.
The White House previously said the president’s speech at the forum will “emphasize that the United States and Europe must leave behind economic stagnation and the policies that caused it.”
With Post wires
