Air Force One Turns Around After Takeoff with Donald Trump Onboard for ‘Minor Electrical Issue’

Air Force One turned around with President Donald Trump on board because of a “minor electrical issue” on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

“After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “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.”

Air Force One returned to Joint Andrews Base in Prince George’s County, Md., at 11:07 p.m. E.T., according to the Wall Street Journal.

Trump, 79, is traveling to the World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland. The president is expected to deliver a speech before political and economic leaders on Wednesday, Jan. 21, per the outlet.

The incident comes just months after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump experienced a separate in-flight disruption while traveling near London on Sept. 18, 2025.

According to Leavitt, Marine One — the helicopter carrying the president and first lady — made an unexpected landing in the final moments of their U.K. trip, during which they visited Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Following their state visit with the British royal family, the Trumps were traveling a short distance in Marine One from Chequers to Stansted Airport so they could reunite with Air Force One and return to Washington, D.C.

“Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the [Marine One] pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport,” Leavitt shared with the White House press pool, explaining why their departure was delayed.

“The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter,” she added at the time.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.