President Donald Trump’s Air Force One and other aircraft used by U.S. officials, including first lady Melania Trump, are getting a fresh coat of paint. The look will include gold, crimson and navy blue, according to the Air Force. The aircraft will also undergo regular repairs and maintenance.
According to the Air Force, the overhaul applies not only to the next-generation Boeing VC-25B aircraft, but also to several other business jets, including a newly donated Boeing 747-8i from Qatar.
Service officials said the switch to crimson, navy blue and gold will be incorporated into planned maintenance, meaning the redesign itself is not expected to increase costs or slow down the program.
The long-standing white and robin’s egg blue scheme that defined Air Force One for six decades is being retired. Trump has been pushing for a redesign since his first term, advocating for the use of colors he believes are stronger, more patriotic and more consistent with his own design preferences. These same hues are also seen on aircraft models on display at the White House and on Trump’s 2024 campaign plane, often referred to as “Trump Power One.”
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed to CBS that the update will apply to a Qatar 747-8i, a luxury aircraft worth approximately $400 million that was given to the U.S. government as an unconditional gift. The aircraft is currently being modified for government use.
Which presidential planes are getting repaints?
The new paint scheme will be rolled out on several aircraft in the business jet fleet:
• Boeing VC-25B
The upcoming version of Air Force One is based on the 747-8 platform and will feature Trump’s favored dark colors. These planes carry everything from secure communications systems to onboard medical facilities.
• C-32 jet aircraft (Air Force Two)
Four Boeing 757 aircraft used by the Vice President and senior officials will receive new livery. The L3Harris factory in Texas has repainted at least one of them.
• 747-8i donated by Qatar
The beautiful aircraft, already outfitted with a gold interior, went into the Pentagon last summer for modification. It is expected to serve as an interim presidential aircraft until the VC-25B fleet arrives in 2028.
Why change the color now?
Trump first proposed a comprehensive redesign in 2018. A later version, scrapped by President Joe Biden due to engineering issues, would have had darker tints to avoid overheating on the tarmac.
The new approach avoids these technical issues but still reflects Trump’s preferred aesthetic: liberal use of navy blue, crimson and gold tones reminiscent of his hotels and private jets.
Will renovations increase costs?
According to the Air Force, no.
The branch told the BBC that applying the new colors was in line with scheduled maintenance cycles and would not incur additional costs or delay delivery schedules. Paint work on the VC-25B fleet and C-32 aircraft is ongoing during existing overhauls.
Although the Qatari aircraft is worth approximately $400 million, it was a direct donation; the United States only funded its modifications, not the aircraft itself.
FAQ
How much does a new paint job cost?
The Air Force said the updated color requirements will result in no additional program costs. Repainting occurs during scheduled maintenance.
Why phase out the time-honored colors of the Kennedy era?
Trump has long sought a new look for the presidential fleet, saying the traditional color palette is too muted and wanting stronger shades of the American flag.
Are donations in Qatar really free?
Yes. The aircraft was given as a no-strings-attached gift, although the United States paid for the refit and safety modifications.
When will the new Air Force One be ready?
The VC-25B aircraft are expected to be delivered around 2028. The Qatar 747-8i is expected to enter service sooner as an interim jet.
Will the new colors appear elsewhere?
Yes. Trump’s 2024 campaign plane and several décor touches at the White House feature the same navy, red and gold theme.
