Trump Marine One flight under investigation after potential safety mishap

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.

• The National Transportation Safety Board 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," he said, adding that "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 has been updated throughout with additional information.