Former President Donald Trump bought his plane in 2011 for a reported $100 million and the two since became closely linked.
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According to data from the aircraft-tracking website JetSpy, Trump's prized Boeing 757 private jet arrived at New York's LaGuardia Airport late Saturday evening ahead of his hush-money trial that started on Monday.
Trump paid $100 million for the jet, registered N757AF, in 2011 and has since decked it out with luxuries like a private bedroom and gold-plated seatbelts.
The ex-president, who is now the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, has managed to hold onto his VIP airplane despite the steep $454 million civil penalty he owed New York after losing a recent fraud case, the Associated Press reported in March.
Trump agreed to pay a lower amount than initially asked while he appeals the ruling, per the AP. However, he could have lost key assets — including his aircraft — had he failed to come up with the cash.
Considering the 757 has not only become a staple of Trump's wealth but also acts as a grandiose backdrop at his presidential rallies, it's unlikely he'll easily part with the VIP plane.
Here's a closer look at "Trump Force One."
During his time as president, Donald Trump flew around the world in Air Force One, a specially-modified Boeing 747 used for presidential transport.
In 2019, the plane was parked at Stewart International Airport in New York where it sat for two years before flying to Louisiana in November 2021 for refurbishment.
Trump's 757 parked at Stewart International Airport in New York.
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Trump announced on his website in May 2021 that the plane, which needed a new paint job and maintenance work, would be "fully restored and updated" in Louisiana and "used at upcoming rallies."
Eric Trump, at the time, posted a time-lapse video on Twitter of the 757's new paint job, which was completed by aircraft refinishing company Landlocked Aviation.
"Excellence requested, excellence delivered!" Grenzebach told Business Insider in 2022. "The great men and women of Landlocked Aviation are proud to always deliver superior aircraft refinishing work while providing exceptional customer service."
Trump's 757 going into Landlocked Aviation's paint shop.
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Although it has a fresh paint job, the interior was outfitted in 2011 when Trump acquired the jet. A video of Amanda Miller, the Trump Organization's SVP of marketing & corporate communications, giving a tour was posted to YouTube in 2011.
Donald Trump's Boeing 757 private jet at LaGuardia Airport in New York on April 3 after he flew in for his arraignment.
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Entering from the back of the jet, you'll first see inside the galley, complete with glassware, a sink, and coffee makers, creating a small kitchen.
...and the headrests and pillows have been etched with the Trump family crest.
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Moving through the jet, passengers will find the main lounge, which features seats, a couch, and the SkyTheater with a 57" TV and sound system that replicates a "Hollywood screening room," Miller said.
Pictured is the main lounge's couch.
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There is also a touchscreen system that controls the theater and has a special "T" list that shows Trump's favorite movies and CDs.
Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump sit in loungers in front of the dining area.
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The plane would not be complete without a few bedrooms, including a guest room with wood finishings, a theater system, and two couches that convert into a double bed.
The two couches convert into a double bed.
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Meanwhile, Trump has his own private bedroom with a custom headboard, pillows, and comforter, as well as a theater system and work desk.
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The former president also has a master bathroom with a green countertop and gold-plated sink...
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...as well as a toilet that doubles as a seat, which is common on many private jets.
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Toward the front of the jet is a VIP area with a couch and loungers, which is where the pilots or other important people can relax.
Although the plane is decked out, it's not much use without pilots. Longtime aviators John Dunkin and Jay Galpin head the controls in the 757's glass display cockpit in 2014.
Pilots Captains John Dunkin (L) and Jay Galpin (R) after flying Trump's 757 private jet.
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