Union Pacific has unveiled two specially painted locomotives honouring the United States and President Donald Trump, as part of its plans to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary later this year.
The first unit, the America 250 locomotive, will carry the number 1776 and feature Union Pacific’s traditional Armour Yellow paint scheme, the America 250 logo, and the large American flag decal long associated with the railroad’s diesel fleet.
The second unit, numbered 4547, is a locomotive dedicated to President Trump. It will feature a predominantly white design with a large flag motif and “Donald J. Trump” written in gold lettering. A 13-star flag will appear on the conductor’s side, while a 50-star flag will be displayed on the engineer’s side.
Union Pacific said this is its third presidential diesel, following earlier locomotives honouring Abraham Lincoln and George H.W. Bush.
The Omaha-based railroad made the announcement as it prepares to file an updated merger application next month with the Surface Transportation Board, seeking approval for its proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern.
In 2025, Union Pacific chief executive Jim Vena met President Trump in the Oval Office to discuss the merger and wider rail industry matters. Later, the company made a donation to Trump’s White House ballroom project through the National Park Service.
In a statement, Vena said Union Pacific is honoured to take part in the 250th anniversary of the nation, adding that both commemorative locomotives reflect important moments in the shared history of Union Pacific and the United States. He said that history demonstrates the essential role railroads have played — and will continue to play — for generations to come.
The company also announced that its famous Big Boy steam locomotive will tour later this year, including a Fourth of July stop in Philadelphia, as part of the semiquincentennial celebrations.
The original article was later corrected on March 24 to clarify that Vena’s meeting with President Trump and the subsequent donation to the ballroom project were not connected.
