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Trump switches from Qatari-gifted Air Force One to an older jet amid Iran threats
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 9, 2026
· 6 min read
President Donald Trump flew partway home from a NATO summit in Turkey on an old baby blue Air Force One plane instead of the new Qatari-gifted and retrofitted red, white and navy blue jet he arrived in, a surprise swap that came as the U.S. and Iran once again began trading strikes.Trump offered ...
Key takeaway RELATED STORY | Trump says he is number one on Iran kill list as countries trade strikesThe travel switch raised fresh security questions about the new aircraft that the U.
Why this matters in The Waco
For Waco residents, the security concerns surrounding Air Force One may seem distant, but the fact that the plane made a stop at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, a base used by US troops, raises questions about the safety protocols in place for government aircraft. The $400 million retrofit of the Qatari-gifted jet is also noteworthy, given that it appears to lack some of the missile detection and countermeasure systems found on older jets. As the US and Iran trade strikes, the security of Air Force One becomes a pressing concern, and the decision to switch planes mid-trip only adds to the uncertainty. Locally, this story may resonate with veterans and military families in the Waco area, who may be concerned about the potential risks faced by US troops and government officials. The situation bears watching, particularly if it has any implications for the safety and security of government aircraft and personnel.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump flew partway home from a NATO summit in Turkey on an old baby blue Air Force One plane instead of the new Qatari-gifted and retrofitted red, white and navy blue jet he arrived in, a surprise swap that came as the U.S. and Iran once again began trading strikes.Trump offered ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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