Air Force One jets and other US military aircraft in the presidential and VIP fleet are undergoing a significant visual transformation, with reports confirming they are being repainted to align with former President Donald Trump's preferred colour palette.
A New Patriotic Palette for the Skies
According to multiple outlets including CBS News and Fox News, the aircraft will now feature a bold design of red, white, and blue, accented with a gold stripe. This change marks a definitive departure from the longstanding blue and white livery that has adorned these planes since the 1960s, a design originally implemented during President John F. Kennedy's administration.
Inspired by 'Trump Force One'
The new colour scheme bears a striking resemblance to the design of Trump's personal aircraft, often colloquially referred to as "Trump Force One." That jet features a navy and white fuselage with a prominent red stripe, establishing a visual precedent now being applied to the official fleet.
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the repainting directive applies not only to the iconic Air Force One jets but extends across the entire executive fleet. This includes the controversial $400 million luxury Boeing jet gifted to the United States by Qatar last year, which drew bipartisan criticism upon its acceptance by the Trump administration.
Fleet-Wide Implementation Underway
The repainting requirement will also encompass smaller C-32 aircraft, which are utilized to transport high-ranking US officials such as the First Lady, the Vice President, and cabinet members. CBS News reports that the first C-32 has already received its new coat of paint and is anticipated to be delivered for service within the coming months.
The gifted Qatari jet, now part of this visual overhaul, could potentially be ready for presidential use by the summer, signalling the rapid pace of this fleet-wide aesthetic update.
A Long-Held Ambition Realised
This transformation fulfills a vision Trump has harboured since his first term in office. In a 2018 interview with CBS News, he enthusiastically outlined his plans, stating, "Red, white and blue. Air Force One is going to be incredible. It's gonna be the top of the line, the top in the world. And it's gonna be red, white and blue, which I think is appropriate."
However, this initiative faced a temporary setback, as the proposed colour scheme was reportedly canceled during the subsequent administration of President Joe Biden. The current reports indicate a revival and active implementation of Trump's original design concept.
The Independent has reached out to the White House and the Department of Defense for official comment on these developments and has also requested details concerning the potential financial cost to taxpayers associated with this extensive repainting project across the military aircraft fleet.
