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White House says Trump's Air Force One switch was a 'misdirection'
By Mallory Wilson and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
The White House on Thursday defended the new retrofitted Air Force One as safe and secure after reports emerged indicating President Trump switched to the older model to leave Turkey out of an abundance of caution. “The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with hi...
Key takeaway “The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure [...
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso residents who have served in the military or have experience with aviation security may be particularly interested in the White House's defense of the new Air Force One. The city's proximity to Fort Bliss and its history of military presence make the safety and security of presidential aircraft a relevant concern for the local community. As the White House assures the public that the new Air Force One is equipped with high-level security protocols, El Pasoans may wonder how these measures compare to the security standards in place at local military installations. The incident also raises questions about the potential impact on El Paso's own aviation industry, which includes a range of military and civilian operations at the El Paso International Airport. Local officials and industry leaders may be watching this situation closely to see if it has any implications for aviation security in the El Paso area.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The White House on Thursday defended the new retrofitted Air Force One as safe and secure after reports emerged indicating President Trump switched to the older model to leave Turkey out of an abundance of caution. “The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mallory Wilson and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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