September 10, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump’s trip to Texas was briefly delayed Wednesday after an emergency evacuation slide deployed from the new Air Force One while the aircraft was preparing to depart from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Trump was scheduled to fly to Dallas when the inflatable slide deployed from an exit on the aircraft. According to Reuters, a person briefed on the incident said military personnel accidentally triggered the slide.

Trump Waited as Crews Checked the Aircraft

Trump had arrived at Joint Base Andrews aboard Marine One but remained on the helicopter for roughly 20 minutes while personnel dealt with the situation.

Crews were seen working around the aircraft and eventually removing the deployed emergency slide.

When reporters asked Trump whether he was confident the aircraft was safe to fly, the president said he was. The plane subsequently departed for Dallas and completed the flight safely.

The New Air Force One

The aircraft involved is the Boeing 747-8 that was gifted by Qatar and refurbished for presidential use.

Trump began traveling aboard the aircraft on July 1. According to Reuters, a Boeing 747-8 typically has 12 inflatable evacuation slides designed to allow passengers to evacuate from the aircraft in an emergency.

Trump has also said the aircraft is expected to be temporarily taken out of service in October for additional security upgrades lasting about 60 days.

Wednesday’s incident ultimately resulted only in a short delay, with no injuries reported and Air Force One continuing safely to Texas.

Sources: Reuters & Associated Press — September 9, 2026