Saturday, March 29, 2025
London, September 19, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were forced into an emergency landing on Friday after their helicopter developed a hydraulic problem while returning from London.
According to reports, the couple had just departed London when the helicopter carrying them experienced a minor hydraulic malfunction, prompting pilots to divert to a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident in a statement to the press pool:
“There was a minor hydraulic issue, which forced the pilots to change plans out of caution. The helicopter landed safely at a local airport before Stansted. The President and First Lady were then transferred to a support helicopter and continued safely to their destination.”
Officials stressed that the landing was precautionary and that at no point were Trump or Melania in serious danger. However, the episode caused a brief delay in their travel schedule.
The emergency came as Trump wrapped up his state visit to Britain, during which he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior officials.
Trump expressed gratitude for the reception, saying he was “deeply thankful for the wonderful welcome and gracious hospitality.” The visit avoided public clashes over contentious trade and geopolitical issues, projecting an image of mutual cooperation.
Trump and Starmer signed a historic agreement on science and technology collaboration, hailed by both sides as a breakthrough for innovation and job creation.
The two leaders participated in a roundtable with global business executives, stressing that the deal could help boost employment on both sides of the Atlantic.
In private talks, they discussed sensitive issues, including the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, as well as U.S. tariffs on British steel imports.
“The relationship between our two nations is unlike any other in the world,” Trump declared, adding that the U.S. and U.K. “have done more good for the planet together than any other countries in history.”
Despite the mid-air scare, the trip ended on a positive note, reinforcing what both leaders described as a “special and enduring partnership.”
