Multiple Books on Trump’s New Air Force One Titled ‘Library’

One of the first publicly shared photographs from inside President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One is attracting attention online after social media users noticed several leather-bound books that appear to be labeled “Library.”

The detail appeared in a photograph posted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt from inside the Boeing 747-8 that President Donald Trump used for his first official presidential flight on Wednesday.

Several volumes on shelves behind Leavitt appear to carry generic titles, including multiple books labeled “Library.” While some social media users suggested the books are decorative, their nature cannot be determined from the image alone.

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What the Photo Shows

The image shows dark wood cabinetry, built-in shelving filled with matching leather-bound books, cream-colored seating and a large screen displaying the presidential seal against an American flag backdrop.

Although some social media users described the books as “fake,” it is unclear from the image alone whether the volumes are decorative book sets, functional books, or a combination of both. However, several visible spines appear to read “Library.”

The attention on the books comes amid ongoing public interest in the aircraft itself. The Boeing 747 has faced scrutiny since plans for Trump to use the aircraft were announced, with debate focusing on its origins, refurbishment costs and role as a temporary presidential aircraft while Boeing’s delayed replacement Air Force One program continues.

Newsweek reached out to the White House and the Air Force via email for comment.

How the New Air Force One Compares With the Old One

The attention on the bookshelf comes as the aircraft itself remains under close public scrutiny.

Trump took his first presidential flight aboard the retrofitted Boeing 747-8 on Wednesday, traveling from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The trip marked the first official presidential use of the aircraft, which was donated to the United States by Qatar and arrived at Joint Base Andrews last month after undergoing modifications and testing.

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While some focused on the books visible behind Leavitt, the photograph also offers one of the clearest looks yet inside the aircraft.

Other photographs released by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung have shown conference areas, leather seating and extensive wood paneling throughout the cabin.

Those features stand in contrast to images previously released of the VC-25A aircraft, which has served as Air Force One for decades. The current presidential fleet is typically shown with conference rooms, communications facilities and workspaces with simple white decor and designed around the operational requirements of the presidency.

The Air Force has previously said it prioritized “critical mission requirements over aesthetics” when modifying the aircraft and left much of the interior layout unchanged. As a result, the plane retains many design elements from its previous configuration, giving it a noticeably different appearance from the existing presidential fleet.

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Beyond the interior, the Boeing 747-8 features a dramatically different exterior appearance. The aircraft has been repainted from the light blue-and-white livery associated with Air Force One since the Kennedy administration to a red, white, navy blue and gold color scheme selected by Trump, who has said he wanted the aircraft’s colors to reflect the American flag.

The aircraft itself has drawn attention not only for its appearance but also for its cost. The jet was donated to the United States by Qatar and has been widely reported as having a value of roughly $400 million.

The total cost of modifying the aircraft for presidential use remains unclear. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers last year the retrofit would likely cost less than $400 million, while outside experts have suggested installing the systems required for an Air Force One aircraft could ultimately cost substantially more.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kate Nalepinski and Gray R. Thomas