The Economic Times

$5.3 billion Air Force One program: why is Trump repainting Air Force One now, and what will it cost taxpayers? Timeline and overheating risks Explained

Trump Air Force One repaint: The $5.3 billion Air Force One replacement program is moving forward in 2026. President Donald Trump is updating the Air Force One paint scheme to a darker navy and red design. The U.S. Air Force says repainting is part of scheduled maintenance. No separate repaint cost is added. The new VC-25B jets are delayed until at least 2028. Engineers previously reviewed overheating risks tied to darker colors during testing and redesign.