Trump's Marine One Close Call
NTSB says White House construction caused radio issues before Marine One neared a jet.
August 27, 2026 · Updated Aug 27, 8:13pm ET
CNNNew report details communication issues before jet came too close to Trump’s Marine One — and role White House construction played
CBS NewsMarine One's warning calls before mishap went unheard by Reagan air traffic controllers, NTSB says
FOX NewsTrump helicopter’s radio warnings went unheard before close call with passenger jet, report says
Seattle TimesWhite House construction may have contributed to close call with Trump’s helicopter
ABC NewsControllers warned Marine One pilots about communication issues week before dual takeoff, NTSB says
Washington ExaminerMarine One pilots knew about communication issues before close call
Raw StoryTrump's construction nearly caused Marine One to hit passenger jet: report
Associated PressWhite House construction contributed to radio problems that let Trump copter come close to jet
The Gateway PunditAir Traffic Controllers Warned of Communication Issues One Week Before Air Traffic Safety Incident Involving Marine One While Trump Was Onboard
Daily BeastTrump’s Chopper Scare Takes an Embarrassing New Turn
The Washington SunDCA Warned About Communications Issues With Marine One Before August Safety Incident
ForbesTrump Helicopter’s Close Call With Jet May Be Linked To White House Construction
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What happened
The NTSBNational Transportation Safety BoardUnited States government investigative agency for civil transportation accidents’s preliminary report says Marine One’s crew made repeated but unsuccessful radio calls to Reagan National Airport before the helicopter carrying President Donald Trump departed the White House Ellipse on August 4 and came near a commercial passenger jet. Construction at the White House had moved presidential helicopter operations to a temporary site, contributing to radio-coverage problems that kept controllers from hearing the standard three-minute liftoff warning. One week earlier, Reagan controllers and Marine One pilots had discussed the missed alerts and agreed on alternate procedures. The jet was cleared for takeoff while Marine One was departing.
