Air Force One Getting a New Look with Trump’s Colors

The U.S. Air Force is set to repaint Air Force One and other government aircraft in a color scheme favored by President Donald Trump, shifting from the traditional light blue and white that has characterized these planes for over six decades. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed this change.

The new design will introduce gold stripes, adding another element to the red, white, and navy color palette. This initiative will affect several planes, including two Boeing VC-25B jets currently being updated into the next generation of Air Force One, as well as a gifted Qatari 747-8i.

According to the Air Force, this new paint scheme is now mandatory across the presidential and military aircraft fleet. A spokesperson stated, “The Air Force is implementing new paint scheme requirements (red, white, and navy blue) for the VC-25B and additional executive airlift units, including the new 747-8i and four C-32 aircraft.”

Interestingly, during a past interview, Trump expressed enthusiasm about this shift, saying, “We’re painting the Stars and Stripes red, white and blue. It’s unbelievable.”

Reportedly, these aircraft are being repainted during regular maintenance. In fact, the first of the C-32 jets has already undergone the update and will be delivered soon.

Notably, the classic blue and white design has become an iconic representation of the American presidency since its introduction during John F. Kennedy’s time. Trump had previously unveiled a model that reflected his preferred colors, but that version was ultimately canceled under the Biden administration.

Now, the Boeing 757 known as “Trump Force One” — with its distinct dark navy body and bold red stripes — aligns closely with this new government palette.

The changes will apply to various aircraft types within the executive fleet, translating to a significant transformation not seen since JFK’s era. The move to richer tones and gold accents signifies a notable departure from the long-standing aesthetic that has traditionally represented the presidency.

The restoration of the 747-8i, expected to be ready for presidential use by summer, and the ongoing renovations of other jets underscore this ambitious undertaking.

As the new Air Force One gets closer to becoming operational, this effort marks a fulfillment of the Trump administration’s vision for its presidential aircraft.