Key Points and Summary – On January 11, 2026, the U.S. Secret Service discovered a “suspicious object” at Palm Beach International Airport during routine security sweeps for President Trump’s departure.
-The finding triggered safety protocols, forcing the presidential motorcade to take a diverted, circuitous route and Air Force One to park in an alternate location with its lights off.
-While the President departed safely for Washington, D.C., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the adjustments were necessary precautions, marking the second security concern at the airport in recent months following the discovery of a hunting stand in October.
Suspicious Object Near Air Force One Forces Trump Motorcade Diversion at Palm Beach Airport
The US Secret Service located a “suspicious object” during advance security sweeps at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
This caused President Trump’s motorcade to take a diverted route to Air Force One, leading to a minor delay and increased security measures.
However, the Secret Service called it standard protocol.
The president’s residence at Mar-a-Lago is about a 10-minute drive to Palm Beach’s airport, but the Secret Service took a circuitous route around the city to reach the aircraft after the departure, about 6:20 pm.
While the object wasn’t described, the incident prompted adjustments to routes and aircraft parking, but resulted in a successful departure for the President to Washington, D.C., according to FOX 2.
Official White House Statement
“A further investigation was warranted, and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement later on Sunday.
However, when asked about the package by reporters, the president said, “I know nothing about it.”
The president returned to the White House without further incident after spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Details of the Incident
The Secret Service found an unidentified “suspicious object” on the road leading to the airport during routine security checks before the President arrived at PBI, according to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s office.
The Southern Boulevard ramp was shut down at approximately 8:20 pm and later reopened.
No further details about the package are known at present.
The motorcade took a longer, circular route to the airport, and Air Force One was parked on the opposite side of the tarmac from its usual spot, with lights off, as a precaution, noted FOX 2.
Local police officers on motorcycles formed a moving blockade for the motorcade, at one point almost colliding with the vans that accompanied the president.
Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the US Secret Service, said the secondary route was taken just as a precaution and that “that is standard protocol.”
Other Security Concerns at Palm Beach International
This latest event follows previous security concerns at PBI, including the discovery of a suspicious hunting stand overlooking Air Force One in October, which sparked the Secret Service’s interest.
In that incident, the Secret Service found a suspicious 12-foot tree stand near Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) with a direct view of where President Trump’s Air Force One lands, prompting an FBI investigation into its origin and purpose.
However, it was located in an area not suitable for hunting, raising security concerns despite no immediate threat being identified.
“During advance security preparations before the Palm Beach arrival, which included the use of technology and comprehensive physical sweeps, our teams identified items of interest near Palm Beach International Airport,” Guglielmi said in the statement.
“There was no impact on any movements, and no individuals were present or involved at the location. While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures. The FBI is leading the investigation, and we would refer any additional comments to them.”
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
