President Trump’s trip to Davos hit unexpected turbulence — and we’re not talking about the weather.
Air Force One was forced to make a sharp U-turn less than an hour after takeoff due to what the White House called a “minor electrical issue.” The aircraft returned to Joint Base Andrews late Monday night, causing a delay in the president’s high-profile journey to Switzerland where he’s scheduled to engage with global leaders at the World Economic Forum.
BREAKING: A U.S. government motorcade was seen speeding with lights and sirens toward Joint Base Andrews following reports that Air Force One had turned around over the Atlantic.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 21, 2026
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident, saying, “After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews.” According to Leavitt, the President and his team were quickly set to switch planes and continue the trip without further disruption.
One reporter traveling with the pool, Mabinty Quarshie, offered a glimpse behind the scenes, noting that Leavitt joked about the Qatari jet “sounding much better” in the moment. Humor in the face of high-stakes travel delays? Apparently, the show must go on — and fast.
JUST IN: Air Force One flying back to Maryland due to “minor electrical issue,” White House says.
Trump will land at Joint Base Andrews and take a different plane for his trip to Davos, Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/mkYJoYjNVg
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 21, 2026
The hiccup, though brief, underscored the unpredictable nature of international travel, even when you’re aboard the most iconic plane on Earth. With the clock ticking on his next appearance, Trump’s team wasted no time executing the backup plan.
By late evening, the president had boarded a new aircraft and was once again en route to Davos. The detour may have slowed him down, but it hasn’t stopped him.
Per the White House pool reports, here are the administration officials traveling with the president on AF1:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio⁰Chief of Staff Susie Wiles⁰James Blair⁰Beau Harrison⁰Stephen Miller⁰Robert Gabriel⁰Steven Cheung⁰Kevin Hassett⁰Karoline Leavitt…
— Ed O’Keefe (@edokeefe) January 21, 2026
Expect Trump to arrive a little later than planned — but still very much ready to make waves among the world’s economic elite. Stay tuned.
