Trump Faces Backlash Over Faux Books on New Air Force One
WHO:
The Daily Beast - White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a social media update about the inaugural flight, stating, "What a privilege to be aboard the inaugural flight on the brand new Air Force One! A truly unforgettable day. ✈️🇺🇸"
Alternet - White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt filmed an Instagram vlog during the inaugural flight on the new Air Force One.
The Independent - White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller was on board the inaugural flight and referred to the new plane as "majestic."
Alternet - White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and several other White House staff members were involved in showcasing the new Air Force One.
The Independent - President Donald Trump and members of his administration were involved in the inaugural flight on the new jet.
WHAT:
The Independent - The new Air Force One is expected to be used by Trump until a new one is built in around two years’ time.
The Daily Beast - Trump stated, “They just completed it. They made it appropriate for a president; that means the security and all of the different bells and whistles they put on. Very complex now, but it’s really quite something.”
The Independent - During the flight, White House staffers had a brunch that included bagel sandwiches, fruit, and juice.
The Independent - The new Air Force One is a Boeing VC-25B.
Alternet - The new Air Force One, referred to as "Grift Force One" by critics, features a bookshelf with fake books labeled "Library" and "Art."
The Independent - Trump boasted about his new $400 million Air Force One jet, which is fitted with a wall containing dozens of fake books.
The Independent - The inaugural flight of the new jet took place as Trump headed to North Dakota for an event celebrating the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
The Independent - The new Air Force One features a red, white, and blue color scheme, which Trump described as "my taste."
WHERE:
Alternet - The new Air Force One was gifted by the government of Qatar.
The Independent - The inaugural flight destination was North Dakota, specifically for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
WHEN:
The Independent - The first flight on the new Air Force One took place on a Wednesday.
WHY:
The Independent - Critics have raised ethics concerns and cost worries regarding the new Air Force One.
The Independent - Critics accused Qatar of using the gift of the jet to curry favor with Trump.
The Independent - There are concerns regarding the need for a new plane given that the Air Force is already working on multi-billion dollar replacements for the previous-generation Air Force One.
HOW:
The Daily Beast - The new Air Force One is a Boeing 747-800, originally built in the U.S.
The Independent - The new Air Force One features white leather trim and images of Washington landmarks on the walls.
The Independent - The new Air Force One was painted in a color scheme resembling Trump's private planes, which includes red, white, and blue.
(UPDATED July 3, 2026 06:13 UTC)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared an enthusiastic update on social media about the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, calling it a "truly unforgettable day." President Trump expressed his approval, noting that the aircraft has been designed with enhanced security and features, saying, "They just completed it... it’s really quite something." The new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-800, is expected to serve Trump until a replacement is built in about two years.
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(UPDATED July 3, 2026 01:33 UTC)
In a notable event, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt filmed an Instagram vlog during the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, a Boeing VC-25B, while White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described the aircraft as "majestic." During the flight, staffers enjoyed a brunch that included bagel sandwiches, fruit, and juice, all while surrounded by the plane's elegant white leather trim and images of Washington landmarks on the walls. However, the new Air Force One has faced criticism due to ethics concerns and worries about its costs.
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(UPDATED July 2, 2026 23:29 UTC)
In a notable event, President Trump and members of his administration took part in the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One, which has been controversially dubbed "Grift Force One" by critics. This $400 million jet, gifted by the government of Qatar, features a striking red, white, and blue color scheme and includes a wall adorned with dozens of fake books, raising eyebrows about its lavish design. The flight was headed to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, amidst ongoing concerns about the necessity of a new plane while the Air Force is already investing in replacements for the previous-generation Air Force One.