Trump mocked over fake 'library' books on new Air Force One
President Donald Trump is facing viral mockery after social media users spotted decorative books—including volumes simply labeled "Library"—on shelves aboard his new Air Force One, a roughly $400 million Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar that flew as the presidential jet for the first time on Wednesday. The detail matters because the aircraft is already controversial as an interim "bridge" replacement for aging VC-25A planes, and critics say the faux library sums up a jet built for show as much as presidential duty.
Key Takeaways
- The Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8, designated the VC-25B Bridge, made its first presidential flight on Wednesday to North Dakota.
- Photos shared by Trump administration officials show shelves with apparently fake books, including multiple spines reading "Library."
- The jet is larger and more luxurious than the outgoing Air Force One, with gold fixtures, massage chairs, and a red-white-and-blue livery.
- Trump plans to use the plane until Boeing delivers official replacements in 2027 or 2028, then transfer it to his presidential library foundation.
- Critics and lawmakers have questioned both the Qatari gift and the classified cost of retrofitting it for presidential service.
Why Are People Mocking the Books on Trump's New Air Force One?
The backlash started after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted photos from inside the jet. Eagle-eyed users zoomed in on built-in shelving behind her and noticed leather-bound volumes with generic, repetitive titles—most notably "Library" printed on several spines.
Social media reaction was swift and cutting. One X user wrote, "Of course a plane full of people who have never read a book has a bookshelf of fake books with titles like 'Library.'" Another joked that "Volume III of the Library is a real nail-biter." Similar images also appeared in posts from other administration officials showcasing the aircraft's plush interior.
The mockery fits a broader narrative critics have pushed since Qatar donated the jet: that the plane prioritizes luxury branding over substance. For more on how high-end transport tech is reshaping public life, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage.
What Makes This New Air Force One Different From the Old One?
According to Business Insider, the VC-25B Bridge is a customized Boeing 747-8i built in 2012 and previously used as luxury transport by Qatar's royal family. At 250 feet long, it is bigger than the VC-25A fleet that has carried presidents since the George H.W. Bush era.
Trump has called it "the world's most luxurious plane." The retrofitted interior features gold light fixtures, reclining massage chairs, a primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in shower, and private office spaces. The exterior trades the traditional sky-blue Air Force One scheme for red, white, and blue tones resembling Trump's personal aircraft.
How Much Did the Qatar Jet Cost—and Who Pays for It?
The Independent reports the aircraft was gifted by Qatar and widely valued at around $400 million—more than the roughly $325 million each of the older VC-25A jets originally cost. The price tag to retrofit it for secure presidential travel remains classified, though Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink told Congress in June 2025 that modifications would likely cost less than $400 million, while some lawmakers warned totals could reach $1 billion.
Critics have accused Doha of using the gift to curry favor with Trump, and questioned why a new interim jet was needed while the Air Force already pursues multi-billion-dollar Boeing replacements delayed until 2027 or 2028. Trump has said the Qatari plane will serve until those official aircraft arrive, then move to the Trump Presidential Library foundation after he leaves office.
Where Did the New Air Force One Fly First?
Trump and his entourage boarded the jet Wednesday from Joint Base Andrews for its maiden presidential voyage to North Dakota, where administration members celebrated the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Leavitt documented the trip in an Instagram vlog as officials highlighted presidential-seal pillows, a white grain leather meeting table, and decorative touches including framed volumes and images of Washington landmarks—alongside the bookshelf that launched the online pile-on.