politics
Trump Flies Home from NATO Summit on Older Air Force One While New Plane Tours UK Base
President Donald Trump chose to return from the NATO summit in Ankara on the former presidential aircraft so the new plane could stop at European bases. The decision allowed U.S. troops to tour the aircraft gifted by Qatar.
Jul 8, 2:13 PM·1m read5 sources
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Troop honorThreat-driven
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President Donald Trump returned from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, aboard the former Air Force One after directing the new aircraft to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom for troop tours. Trump stated the new plane would visit two or three major bases in Europe so soldiers could inspect it.
In a Truth Social post, he wrote that the stops would honor military personnel and give them the first opportunity to see the aircraft.
During a news conference, Trump addressed speculation that Iranian threats prompted the switch. He said he is No. 1 on Iran's kill list yet dismissed security concerns as the reason for using the older plane.
Trump noted the mortality rate for U.S. presidents stands at 5.2 percent. He compared it to one-tenth of 1 percent for race car drivers and bull riders, adding that he does not really care about the threats because he is doing his job.
The new Air Force One, gifted by Qatar, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on June 19, 2026. Trump has been the target of at least three assassination attempts.
