The new Air Force One lacks the same defensive countermeasures of its predecessor, according to reports.
The new jet, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and rushed into service this year, doesn't include some of the advanced defensive systems carried by the aging presidential aircraft it is temporarily replacing, raising questions about security as tensions with Iran remain high, The New York Times reported.
The Times and CBS News reported that the Secret Service urged Trump to leave Turkey on Wednesday aboard the older Air Force One rather than the newly retrofitted jet following the NATO summit.
According to both outlets, the recommendation was made as a precaution because of the aircraft's more robust communications and defensive capabilities during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The move came after Trump had flown to Turkey aboard the new aircraft before switching to the older presidential jet for the return flight.
Trump later reboarded the newer plane after arriving in the United Kingdom.
The White House defended the aircraft, rejecting suggestions that the president's safety had been compromised.
"The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff," White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The Air Force likewise said "no risk was taken in security, safety, or mission communications," while acknowledging the temporary aircraft does not include every capability planned for the permanent replacement presidential fleet.
According to the Times, officials familiar with the retrofit said the donated aircraft lacks some of the sophisticated countermeasures found on the existing Air Force One, including advanced missile-defense systems.
CBS News reported the older aircraft is equipped with laser technology and other systems designed to defeat incoming missiles, though officials declined to discuss whether those capabilities were installed on the Qatari jet.
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told the Times he was surprised the aircraft was used overseas so quickly, arguing there was insufficient time to complete every traditional Air Force One modification.
"With the Iran situation, this could be of concern," Kendall said.
The decision comes as U.S. officials continue to warn that Iran has previously targeted Trump following the 2020 strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, although current intelligence reportedly does not indicate a specific assassination plot tied to the president's trip.
Trump acknowledged the continuing threats during the NATO summit, telling reporters Iran considers him "their number one target."
Democrats have seized on the reports to criticize the administration, arguing the aircraft may have been placed into service before receiving every desired upgrade.
The White House has rejected those concerns, maintaining the aircraft is fully capable of safely carrying the president while permanent next-generation Air Force One jets continue to undergo years of delayed production by Boeing.