Trump Forced to Swap Helicopters After Marine One Failure in UK

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were briefly delayed Thursday when Marine One experienced a hydraulic issue during a short flight in the United Kingdom, as reported by Fox News.

The helicopter was transporting the president and first lady from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Chequers retreat to Stansted Airport, a flight expected to last about 20 minutes.

Trump helicopter makes emergency landing with president aboard https://t.co/1Fruudvigq

— Tuck The Frumpers (@realTuckFrumper) September 18, 2025

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the crew made the decision to land at a local airfield out of caution.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport,” Leavitt told reporters. She described the problem as a “minor hydraulic issue.”

After the precautionary landing, the president and first lady boarded a support helicopter that completed the trip to Stansted. In total, the journey took nearly 40 minutes, double the expected time.

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The incident occurred during President Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom. He and the first lady are being hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first time a U.S. president has been welcomed for two state visits.

The visit has included meetings with the king and queen at Windsor Castle, as well as discussions with Prime Minister Starmer at Chequers. Talks have focused on a major U.S. investment in the U.K., as well as international issues including the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.

Despite the delay, officials emphasized that the president and first lady were never in danger. Marine One remained at the airfield following the precautionary landing, and the issue is under review by maintenance teams.

The helicopter swap added to an already eventful state visit, which has featured military ceremonies, a state banquet, and engagements by the first lady alongside members of the royal family.

Trump forced to transfer helicopters after Marine One suffers ‘minor hydraulic issue’ in UK:
President Donald Trump and the first lady had to transfer from Marine One to a support helicopter Thursday after a hydraulic issue forced an unscheduled landing… https://t.co/XbtOXewkzh

— Elwin Sidney (@ElwinSidney) September 18, 2025

President Trump is scheduled to continue meetings with British leaders before departing the U.K.

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