Trump shows off repainted Qatari jet as interim Air Force One with bold new look

President Donald Trump unveiled a converted Qatari jumbo jet at Joint Base Andrews, presenting it as a temporary "bridge" Air Force One until new Boeing-ordered planes arrive, according to CNBC. The aircraft replaces the traditional robin's egg blue exterior with a bold navy blue and red color scheme, featuring the presidential seal on the boarding side and a large American flag on the tail.

"The plane is described as a 'flying White House' with unprecedented luxury."

The Trump administration accepted the luxury jet from Qatar despite ethical and legal questions about accepting such a gift from a foreign government, the Associated Press reported. The Air Force plans to keep the current VC-25As in service alongside the new jet, and the new color scheme will also be used for other government aircraft, according to the Associated Press.

New Boeing jets are expected to arrive in 2028, making this converted Qatari plane a stopgap measure for presidential air travel. The redesigned exterior marks a significant departure from the iconic robin's egg blue that has been a hallmark of Air Force One for decades.

"The Trump administration accepted the luxury jet from Qatar despite ethical and legal questions about accepting such a gift from a foreign government."

Critics have raised concerns about the arrangement, but the administration has moved forward with the temporary aircraft as part of broader plans to modernize the presidential fleet. The new color scheme will be applied to other government planes as well, signaling a lasting visual change beyond the interim Air Force One.