Donald Trump’s departure from Joint Base Andrews for Dallas was briefly delayed on Wednesday after an emergency inflatable slide deployed on the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 being used as Air Force One. The aircraft later continued the trip after the slide was checked and removed, with Trump telling reporters he was satisfied it was safe to fly.
The incident unfolded as Trump prepared to board the temporary presidential jet for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. Reuters, carried by other outlets, reported that military personnel accidentally triggered the slide, while Trump framed the pause as a routine equipment check. The hold lasted about 15 to 20 minutes before departure resumed.
The episode renewed scrutiny of the substituted Air Force One aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and converted for presidential use while the permanent replacement programme remains delayed. No official U.S. Air Force explanation for the deployment was confirmed in the available coverage.