Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews on January 20, 2026. President Donald Trump headed to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Crew members detected a minor electrical issue shortly after departure.
Additionally reporters on board noticed lights flicker in the press cabin. This event happened about 30 minutes into the flight. The plane turned back immediately.
Decision to Return
Officials acted out of caution. They decided to return to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. No emergency occurred during the flight.
Moreover the aircraft landed safely around 11:07 p.m. ET. Everyone on board stayed secure. The president prepared to switch planes quickly.
White House Statement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media. She described the problem as a minor electrical issue. The team chose caution to ensure safety.
Furthermore Leavitt confirmed the president’s plans remained unchanged. He would board another aircraft soon. This response showed quick handling of the situation.
Switch to Backup Plane
Trump transferred to an Air Force C-32. This modified Boeing 757 suits shorter trips. The new plane departed shortly after midnight.
As a result, the journey to Davos continued without major delays. The president aimed to arrive on time. He planned to speak at the forum on January 21.
Trip Purpose
Trump traveled to address global leaders. The World Economic Forum gathers economic and political figures. His speech focused on key issues.
Nevertheless, the incident highlighted aircraft maintenance importance. Officials praised the crew’s vigilance. This event drew media attention worldwide.
Broader Implications
Experts noted such issues happen rarely. Air Force One undergoes strict checks. The quick resolution prevented risks. Therefore the administration maintained focus on the trip. Public confidence stayed high. The event served as a reminder of safety protocols.
Future Precautions
Officials plan to inspect the original plane. They aim to fix the electrical fault soon. This step ensures reliable future flights.
In conclusion, the turnaround caused minimal disruption. Trump proceeded to engage in important discussions. The incident ended without harm.
