Union Pacific Railroad unveiled specially-painted locomotives honoring the United States and President Donald Trump as it announced plans to celebrate the U.S. semiquincentennial later this year.
The America 250 locomotive, numbered 1776, will wear UP’s traditional Armour Yellow paint, as well as the America 250 logo and the large American flag decal that was long a feature of UP (NYSE: UNP) diesel power.
The Trump locomotive, No. 4547, will feature a large flag design on a predominantly white locomotive with “Donald J. Trump” in gold lettering. A 13-star flag will be the conductor’s side of the locomotive and a 50-star flag on the engineer’s side. It is UP’s third presidential diesel, following units honoring Abraham Lincoln and George H.W. Bush.
The Omaha-based company is preparing to file an updated merger application next month with the Surface Transportation Board seeking approval of its acquisition of eastern carrier Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC).
In 2025 UP Chief Executive Jim Vena met with President Trump in the Oval Office to discuss the merger and rail industry issues. Later, the company made a donation to Trump’s White House ballroom project through the National Park Service.
“Union Pacific is honored to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation,” said Vena in a statement. “Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolizes important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come.”
UP also announced a tour of its famous Big Boy steam locomotive, including a Fourth of July stop in Philadelphia, to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
This article was corrected March 24 to state that UP CEO Jim Vena’s meeting with President Trump and the subsequent donation to the ballroom project were not connected.
Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.
Related coverage:
CPKC ‘makes its own luck’ with Mexico-Canada growth, new CSX service
Regulator wants additional, detailed information on UP-NS rail merger
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now