President Donald Trump’s flight to the World Economic Forum in Davos ran into trouble. Air Force One had to return to Washington DC shortly after takeoff because of what officials called a “minor electrical issue.”
According to The Guardian, a reporter traveling with the president said the lights in the press cabin went completely dark just after the plane took off. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the crew decided to turn back to Joint Base Andrews “out of an abundance of caution” after finding the minor problem.
The unexpected return will delay the president’s arrival in Switzerland. After Air Force One landed back in Washington DC, President Trump and his team were expected to switch to the backup aircraft right away to continue their trip. His delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
This electrical problem shows why the presidential fleet needs an urgent upgrade
The two main jets currently used as Air Force One are getting old. They have been in service for nearly four decades. It is hard to keep any complex system working perfectly after that much time. The replacement program run by Boeing has faced many delays.
This technical problem brings attention back to the luxury Boeing 747-8 that Qatar’s ruling family gave to President Trump in 2025. That aircraft is still being refitted to meet strict US security standards before it can join the presidential fleet. Speaking to reporters on board Tuesday night, Leavitt joked that the Qatari jet was sounding “much better” at that moment.
Technical problems on the presidential jet are rare because of careful maintenance, but they do happen. In 2006, the main Air Force One had a mechanical problem on the ground in Vietnam. This forced President George W Bush to switch to the backup aircraft for his flight to Indonesia.
Other high-ranking officials have also faced technical issues recently. In February 2025, an air force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to return to Washington because of a mechanical problem. The president has been making several major moves lately, including his decision to pardon a former Puerto Rico governor. Last October, a military plane carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had to make an emergency landing in Britain because of a cracked windshield.
Despite the travel delays, the president plans to attend the World Economic Forum. The meeting is already getting attention because of President Trump’s plans to seize Greenland and his threat of tariffs against European countries over the issue.
European leaders have been responding to Trump’s Greenland tariff threats, with some calling the approach a mistake. Before leaving on Monday evening, President Trump told reporters that the trip was going to be “a very interesting Davos.” Earlier, when asked how far he would go to acquire Greenland, he simply replied: “You’ll find out.”
Published: Jan 21, 2026 10:45 am