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After Electrical Issue Forces Air Force One Back, Trump Arrives in Switzerland on Backup Jet

The precautionary return renewed focus on the aging VC‑25A fleet.

Overview

  • White House officials said the Air Force One crew detected a minor electrical issue shortly after takeoff and returned to Joint Base Andrews out of caution.
  • Pool reporters noted the press-cabin lights briefly went out after departure, and flight-tracking data showed the aircraft reversing course near Montauk before heading back to Maryland.
  • After landing just after 11 p.m., the president transferred to an Air Force C‑32 and departed shortly after midnight, continuing to Davos without canceling scheduled appearances.
  • Trump touched down in Zurich about two hours behind schedule, with no injuries reported and maintenance set to address the original aircraft.
  • Coverage highlighted the nearly four-decade-old VC‑25A jets, delays to Boeing’s VC‑25B replacements, and the Qatari‑gifted 747‑8 now being retrofitted, which the press secretary jokingly referenced.