Donald Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, were on their way to the airport ahead of a flight to the United States on Thursday after a trip to the UK, when their helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the President’s Marine One chopper experienced a hydraulic issue, which prompted the pilot to land at a local airfield as a precautionary move.
“Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport,” she said, per FOX News.
“The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.”
Donald Trump’s Marine One helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in the UK after suffering a ‘hydraulic issue’ at the end of his state visit.
The president and first lady Melania Trump were aboard the helicopter on the first leg of their journey back to the US… pic.twitter.com/BpGvMNw6j4
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) September 18, 2025
Donald, who was booed at the U.S. Open final earlier this month, eventually got back on the helicopter, which he was seen using to land at a LIV tournament earlier this year, with his wife, and resumed their journey.
New York Times Reporter Observed Donald Trump’s Helicopter Was Missing
Marine One’s absence was first reported by Maggie Haberman of The New York Times, who was traveling back to the U.S. with the president and first lady. Haberman noted that Marine One was not at the airport when the press staff landed at Stansted.
The White House later issued a statement regarding the delay, citing a hydraulic issue.
Donald Trump and his wife made a state visit to the UK this week, where they received a royal welcome and were accommodated at Windsor Castle.
The POTUS joined British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Chequers residence, holding a joint press conference before Trump returned to America with his wife.
Trump told reporters the trip was “lovely” while speaking to them aboard Air Force One, where he was recently seen stumbling, on Thursday afternoon, praising the royal family.
