President Donald Trump arrived in Switzerland hours later than planned, ahead of a highly anticipated World Economic Forum address in Davos. The 79-year-old has been managing a packed schedule since rumors emerged about America’s actions regarding Greenland after taking over Venezuela on January 7, 2025, under “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
An electronic fault aboard Air Force One caused a delay, leading to the cancellation of a planned meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump has been juggling a hectic schedule this month amidst several rapid political developments.
The BBC reported that a journalist traveling with Trump said the aircraft’s lights failed, forcing Air Force One to return to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Trump then departed for Zurich on a different plane.
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Trump ultimately landed in Switzerland nearly three hours later than scheduled. He is expected to continue to Davos today to address the World Economic Forum.
The title ‘Air Force One’ designates any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the president, not just a single plane. The current fleet comprises two Boeing 747-200B jets that have served since 1990.
The longevity and increasing maintenance costs of the aircraft have raised concerns, especially given the number of plane crashes in the nation last year, according to federal data. The administration announced last year that it was considering alternatives after continued delays in the delivery of two new replacement aircraft from Boeing.
Last year, the Trump administration faced criticism for accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from the ruling family of Qatar during a trip to the Middle East.
Critics argued that the action could amount to a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval.
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According to Mirror U.S., Donald Trump’s speech at Davos is scheduled for 14:30 local time (13:30 GMT). Ahead of the address, he stated plans to tell European leaders that the United States seeks Greenland, which is part of an ongoing diplomatic discussion.
According to the president, acquiring Greenland remains a priority for the United States, though he responded, “You will find out,” when asked about the urgency of the proposed annexation.
Before departing for Switzerland, Trump posted a message from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Greenland, in which Rutte said he was “committed to finding a way forward on Greenland.” Rutte added, “Greenland is critical for security.”
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Trump wrote Tuesday that he would meet with “various parties” on the issue while in Davos, adding, “There can be no going back.” Denmark and Greenland have both rejected Trump’s claims, but the president remains adamant about his ambitions.
He has warned that additional trade tariffs could be imposed on allied nations that resist his decision. Trump has stated that acquiring Greenland is important due to its favorable location. Located between North America and Europe, Greenland provides the U.S. with an ideal site for missile detection, natural resources, military surveillance, and monitoring Russian and Chinese activities.
