Trump moves to repaint Air Force One in red, white and gold

Trump plans bold red, white, and gold Air Force One redesign

For more than half a century, the United States President’s official aircraft the Air Force One has looked essentially the same no matter who sat in the Oval Office. The soft blue-and-white livery introduced under John F Kennedy became a visual constant, surviving wars, scandals and shifting political moods.

That run may finally be over.

According to recent reports, President Trump is moving ahead with plans to repaint the aircraft in a red, white and gold colour scheme that reflects his personal aesthetic rather than presidential tradition. The familiar robin’s-egg blue, designed in the early 1960s to signal restraint and calm authority, would be replaced by a louder, more high-contrast palette.

This is not a new idea. During Trump’s first term, scale models of a redesigned Air Force One were shown publicly, featuring deep blue undersides, bold red striping and gold accents. At the time, the proposal stalled. Trump repeatedly dismissed the existing design as dated and uninspiring, arguing that the plane should project power, not subtlety.

The aircraft themselves are not changing. The two Boeing 747s that serve as Air Force One remain among the most complex planes ever built, fitted with hardened communications, missile countermeasures and the ability to operate as a flying command post. The repaint would be cosmetic, but symbolism is precisely the point.

Supporters see the change as consistent with Trump’s broader approach to state imagery. His buildings, rallies and private aircraft have all leaned toward strong colours and overt branding. In that context, the redesign is less about aviation and more about message control.

Critics argue the opposite. Air Force One, they say, is meant to represent the presidency as an institution, not the personality of whoever occupies it. The blue livery was deliberately chosen to avoid political or personal overtones, and its longevity was part of its meaning.

There are also practical considerations. Repainting a presidential aircraft is expensive and tightly regulated, involving specialised coatings, secure facilities and lengthy downtime. Any work would likely be folded into scheduled maintenance, though timelines remain unclear.

What is clear is that this would be the most visible alteration to Air Force One in decades. Long after policy decisions fade from memory, the image of the presidential jet is what endures. If the repaint goes ahead, it will be a rare case of one president leaving his mark on a symbol that usually outlasts them all.