Trump Marine One flight under investigation after potential safety mishap

Rebecca Falconer

Green U.S. military helicopter labeled United States of America flies over a city with the Washington Monument in the background; a second helicopter is visible against a blue sky with wispy clouds. — Marine One carrying President Trump departs from the Ellipse near the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Federal aviation officials are investigating an air-safety incident involving President Trump's Marine One helicopter in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters: The incident comes as regulators work to improve safety in increasingly congested U.S. airspace, particularly around the nation's capital.

Zoom in: The Wall Street Journal first reported that the helicopter was carrying Trump on Tuesday when it flew too close to a commercial airliner departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

NTSB confirmed in a statement to Axios that it is "investigating a reported loss of separation event" between the two aircraft.

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said the agency is reviewing the incident.

"Based on our preliminary safety review, there was momentary loss of separation after which the aircraft continued to move away from one another," he said.
"The air traffic controller was in contact with both the commercial pilot and Marine One pilot during the loss of separation. ... the president was never in danger."

Context: The FAA placed permanent restrictions and banned mixed helicopter and jet traffic around the Reagan National following a fatal midair collision in January 2025.

What they're saying: "Although the president was at no point in harm's way during yesterday's momentary loss of separation, the White House continues to work with relevant military, FAA and other security personnel to ensure the president's continued safety," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.

Editor's note: This story was updated throughout with additional information.

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Trump Marine One flight under investigation after potential safety mishap

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