Air Force One Returns to Airport After Takeoff Due to Small Electrical Problem with Donald Trump Onboard
President Donald Trump on Jan. 13.
Credit :
Anna Moneymaker/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Air Force One turned around with President Donald Trump on board on Tuesday, Jan. 20
- The aircraft was en route to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum
- According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the plane returned due to a “minor electrical issue”
Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews with President Donald Trump on board due to a “minor electrical issue” on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
“After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue,” Leavitt stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland.”
The aircraft landed at 11:07 p.m. E.T., as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
At the age of 79, Trump was headed to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he is anticipated to speak before global political and economic leaders on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
This incident follows a previous scare in September 2025, when Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s helicopter, Marine One, experienced a “hydraulic issue” while flying near London.
President Donald Trump on May 4, 2025.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty
Following their state visit with the British royal family, the Trumps were making a brief journey in Marine One from Chequers to Stansted Airport to reconnect with Air Force One for their return to Washington, D.C.
“Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport,” Leavitt explained to the White House press pool regarding the delayed departure.
Leavitt confirmed, “The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.”
As of now, inquiries have been made to the White House for further details.
