From Fox News: Air Force One was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff Tuesday evening with President Donald Trump aboard, the White House said.
The crew experienced a “minor electrical issue” after takeoff and returned “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the White House.
Trump was en route to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum.
“The president and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland,” an announcement reads.
The Air Force has at least two 747-style planes which are used as Air Force One, as well as a 757-style plane that could also be used for international trips.
Journalist Nick Sortor shared a copy of a memo from the White House Press Pool, which explained that the lights in the press cabin went out briefly with no explanation, which seems to be the “minor electrical issue.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly joked that the Qatari jet was “sounding much better” right now. Qatar gifted the jet to the U.S., but Trump has never used it.
This is a developing story… .check back for updates.
Air Force One suffered an “electrical issue” after takeoff for Davos, and is returning to DC. A motorcade was seen on the interstate racing to Joint Base Andrews. White House says Trump will take a different plane and continue to Switzerland. Prayers for a safe trip for… https://t.co/h5nKZlvKuE
— DMLNewsApp (@DMLNewsApp) January 21, 2026
After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. 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. https://t.co/pJ3Jc9NNbS
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 21, 2026
From CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe:
Per the White House pool reports, here are the administration officials traveling with the president on AF1:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
James Blair
Beau Harrison
Stephen Miller
Robert Gabriel
Steven Cheung
Kevin Hassett
Karoline Leavitt
Will Scharf
Ross Worthington
Amb. Monica Crowley
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
READ MORE from Fox News.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
