Summary
President Donald Trump's flight to Texas was delayed when an emergency slide on the new Air Force One unexpectedly inflated on the tarmac. Workers checked the slide, deflated it, and the plane then took off without problems.Key Facts
- The incident happened on September 9, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews just before President Trump was to board Air Force One.
- The emergency slide inflated and touched the ground, causing the delay.
- A backup, the old Air Force One, arrived during the delay.
- President Trump said the slide was being checked as a safety measure and there was no security concern.
- The new Air Force One was gifted by Qatar and has seen intermittent use since it was unveiled earlier in 2026.
- President Trump used the old Air Force One after a missile threat in Turkey in July.
- The new jet is undergoing security upgrades while the older plane remains in use.
- President Trump plans to use the new Air Force One for an upcoming trip to Ireland later that month.
