Trump’s Marine One Caught In Security Incident
President Trump was never in danger when Marine One came within a mile of a commercial passenger jet earlier this week, according to the White House, which said the presidential helicopter was operated safely throughout the flight.
“Marine One flights are piloted by some of the best aviators in the world, and at no point was the President in harm’s way,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said.
The incident occurred Tuesday as Trump was traveling from the White House to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing for Los Angeles.
According to reports, the military helicopter carrying the president came within a mile of a commercial aircraft after air traffic controllers at Reagan Washington National Airport did not stop departing commercial flights before Marine One took off.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there was a “momentary loss of separation” between the two aircraft.
Federal aviation rules generally require aircraft to remain at least 1.5 miles apart horizontally and 500 feet apart vertically.
An FAA spokesperson said controllers remained in communication with both the Marine One crew and the commercial airline pilots throughout the incident.
“The air traffic controller was in contact with both the commercial pilot and Marine One pilot during the loss of separation. As the White House has said, the President was never in danger,” the spokesperson said.
The agency added that it is continuing to review the incident and will take any corrective actions deemed necessary after the investigation is complete.
The National Transportation Safety Board also announced it has opened an investigation into the incident.
The close call comes months after federal officials tightened helicopter operations around Reagan National Airport following the deadly January 2025 midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, which killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft.
