President Trump to be late in Davos after Air Force One suffered an “electrical issue” forcing return to DC.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a sudden interruption to a high-stakes diplomatic mission, Air Force One was forced to make an abrupt U-turn and return to Joint Base Andrews Tuesday evening. The aircraft, carrying President Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, encountered what officials described as a “minor electrical issue” shortly after takeoff.
The incident occurred as the President was beginning a trip that has already drawn global scrutiny due to his recent policy shifts, including his push to acquire Greenland and the imposition of fresh tariffs on European allies.
A Brief Darkness in the Press Cabin
According to reports from the press pool on board, the first sign of trouble appeared just minutes into the flight when the lights in the cabin flickered and went out briefly. Approximately 30 minutes after departure, the crew informed passengers that the aircraft would be returning to Maryland “out of an abundance of caution.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision, stating that the crew identified a technical snag and prioritized safety.
Replacement Aircraft
The delay of roughly two and a half hours did not cancel the President’s plans. After switching to a backup aircraft—a smaller Air Force C-32—President Trump took off again shortly after midnight.
The Davos Agenda: Tensions and “Peace Charters”
He is arriving at a Davos summit characterized by extraordinary tension. Key points on his agenda include:
- Greenland Negotiations: Trump is expected to face off with European leaders over his demand for the autonomous Danish territory, a move European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned could lead to a “downward spiral” in relations.
- The Board of Peace: The President is slated to announce a “Peace Charter” for the redevelopment of Gaza, inviting international leaders to sign on to his comprehensive plan for the region.
- Tariff Threats: Allies remain on edge following threats of punitive tariffs against countries that refuse to support the administration’s territorial and trade ambitions.
Next Steps for the Trip
The President is still scheduled to deliver his keynote address at the Davos Congress Centre on Wednesday afternoon. Global markets and world leaders remain focused on whether this “minor technical snag” is a precursor to a similarly turbulent series of diplomatic negotiations in the Swiss Alps.
The Aging Fleet and a Qatari Alternative
The diversion has once again cast a spotlight on the age of the primary presidential aircraft. The two heavily modified Boeing 747-200s (VC-25As) currently in service have been flying for nearly four decades. While Boeing is working on replacements, the program has been plagued by delays.
Interestingly, the mishap led to a moment of levity from the Press Secretary. Leavitt reportedly joked that the luxury Boeing 747-8 gifted to Trump by the ruling family of Qatar last year—which is currently being retrofitted with security systems—was “sounding much better” right now.
