President Donald Trump flew on a new $400 million luxury jet, designated the VC-25B Bridge, for its inaugural flight on Wednesday. The aircraft, a gift from the government of Qatar, transported the president from Maryland to North Dakota for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
The Qatari Gift and the VC-25B Bridge
The new presidential aircraft is a customized Boeing 747-8i, originally used as a luxury transport for the Qatari royal family. The plane is designated as the VC-25B Bridge because it serves as an interim solution while Boeing completes official customized replacements expected in 2027 or 2028.
The acquisition has sparked ethics concerns. Lawmakers from both parties questioned whether the $400 million gift could leave the U.S. government indebted to Qatar. The administration has dismissed these conflict-of-interest claims, stating the plane simply bridges the gap between the aging Boeing fleet and the delayed new models.
Nobody’s ever seen anything like it. This was a gift from a country that treated us really well.
Donald Trump, President
The president’s intent for the aircraft extends beyond his term in office. The ex-Qatari jet will eventually be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library foundation once the official replacements are ready.
Design Shifts: From ‘Noodle’ Flags to Navy Blue
The VC-25B Bridge marks a departure from the aesthetic established by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1962. While the previous fleet featured a light blue and white paint job, the new aircraft utilizes a red, white, and navy blue livery.
This color scheme was a personal preference of the president, who previously faced pushback from the Air Force during his first term. Officials then cited a thermal study suggesting the darker navy shade could cause overheating issues. Trump eventually secured the colors in his second term.
The most notable change is on the tail. The traditional straight American flag has been replaced with a waving design.
As you know, we’ve always gone with a straight little noodle and I never loved that. Now we have a wavy, beautiful flag. We’re waving it proudly because our country is doing so well.
Donald Trump, President
Technical Specs: VC-25A vs. VC-25B Bridge
The new aircraft offers upgrades in size, speed, and efficiency over the VC-25A fleet, which entered service in 1990 and 1991.
| Feature | Old Air Force One (VC-25A) | New Air Force One (VC-25B Bridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | Boeing 747-200B | Boeing 747-8i |
| Length | 231 feet, 10 inches | 250 feet |
| Wingspan | 195 feet, 8 inches | 224 feet, 5 inches |
| Livery | Sky Blue and White | Red, White, and Navy Blue |
Beyond the dimensions, the plane is faster. The jet completed the flight from Maryland to North Dakota in less than three hours.
Interior Luxury and the ‘Fake Book’ Controversy
Inside, the aircraft is described as the world’s most luxurious plane, featuring cream and tan leather seats with massage functions and full recline capabilities. The press section is an upgrade from the 1960s-style first-class seating found on the older fleet.
However, the interior has become a point of ridicule on social media. Photos shared by administration members, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, revealed a bookshelf filled with fake books. Some of these decorative volumes are simply labeled “Library.”
Critics on X mocked the installation as a symbol of the administration being all show and no substance, with one user joking that Volume III of the Library is a real nail-biter.
Other luxury touches include:
- Pillows emblazoned with the presidential seal.
- A meeting table trimmed in white grain leather.
- Framed images of Washington landmarks on the walls.
- Large monitors for exterior camera angles.
The North Dakota Destination
The inaugural flight concluded in Medora, North Dakota. The trip was framed by the administration as a celebration of the country’s 250th birthday and the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, who served as president from 1901 to 1909.
Upon arrival, the president stepped off a specially branded “Freedom250 Train” and was escorted by “Rough Riders” reenactors on horseback to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on July 4.
He’s a proud man. But I’m a proud man. I’m proud of our country.
Donald Trump, President, regarding Theodore Roosevelt
While White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described the new aircraft as “majestic,” the transition to the VC-25B Bridge remains a temporary measure. The administration continues to wait for the permanent replacements currently being developed by Boeing.
