Tonight, Air Force One was forced to turn back around and return to Washington shortly after taking off for President Trump’s trip to Davos, Switzerland.
According to the White House, the reason for the sudden U-turn was due to a “minor electrical issue.”
President Trump will now be boarding a backup plane and heading to Switzerland.
The Rapid Response 47 account explained:
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
Fox News confirmed:
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.
Nick Sortor shared a video of a government motorcade rushing to Joint Base Andrews, where Air Force One will remain:
BREAKING UPDATE: U.S. government motorcade seen on interstate racing lights and sirens to Joint Base Andrews near DC after Air Force One turns around over the Atlantic Ocean
Reason unclear pic.twitter.com/PAo7iiIGa3
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 21, 2026
Right before boarding Air Force One tonight, President Trump predicted it will be an “interesting trip.”
Watch here:
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “So I’m going to Davos. I believe it will be very successful, the trip, the country never done better. We have $18 trillion-plus coming in. We’ve never had anything like it, and no other country has had anything like it.”
“Prices are way down—gasoline now $1.99… pic.twitter.com/weeC5xAUSH
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 21, 2026
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “So I’m going to Davos. I believe it will be very successful, the trip, the country never done better. We have $18 trillion-plus coming in. We’ve never had anything like it, and no other country has had anything like it.”
“Prices are way down—gasoline now $1.99 in a lot of places—and frankly, nobody’s seen anything like this.”
“This will be an interesting trip. I have no idea what’s gonna to happen, but you are well represented.”
The trip is already off to an “interesting” start, Mr. President!
And, we are well-represented, indeed!
Thankfully, the issue with the plane wasn’t anything worse.
Still, please pray for President Trump’s safety during this trip.
Safe travels! May God protect you and guide you as you enter the den of vipers. God bless you!
— Alaskan Faithful
(@CandSStew) January 21, 2026

BREAKING UPDATE: U.S. government motorcade seen on interstate racing lights and sirens to Joint Base Andrews near DC after Air Force One turns around over the Atlantic Ocean
(@CandSStew) 