Air Force One was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff on Jan. 20 due to what the White House described as a “minor electrical issue.” President Donald Trump safely switched to another aircraft and continued his trip to Davos, Switzerland, arriving several hours later than planned. The White House said the return was made out of an abundance of caution.
The incident came as Trump headed to the World Economic Forum amid rising global tensions over his renewed tariff threats and controversial push to acquire Greenland. He has warned of steep tariffs on several European countries and even threatened 200% duties on French wine after French President Emmanuel Macron rejected his peace proposal.
Marking one year since his inauguration, Trump made a rare appearance at a White House press briefing, where he admitted federal agents “make mistakes sometimes” during immigration enforcement, following recent violent confrontations. He expressed frustration with media coverage, lack of public credit for economic gains, and opposition from U.S. allies, while doubling down on his hardline stances on trade, NATO, and Greenland.
Critics argue Trump is increasingly disconnected from broader American values, while supporters say he remains focused on national security and economic strength. As legal battles over tariffs continue and European allies push back, Trump presses ahead with an agenda that continues to divide both the U.S. and its partners abroad.