Here’s what really happened.
On Friday, former President Donald Trump’s aircraft was rerouted to Billings, Montana, due to a technical issue, as confirmed by officials at the Billings airport. Despite this setback, Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential race, is still anticipated to attend his scheduled rally in Bozeman, Montana, later in the evening, according to Fox News reports.
Bozeman, situated approximately 120 miles west of Billings, remains the destination for Trump’s campaign event. In a social media post, Trump commented on his unexpected stop in Montana, highlighting the state’s scenic beauty. “I just landed in a really beautiful place: Montana. Flying over, you see how stunning it is, and it’s exactly how it should be,” Trump remarked in a video from his plane. He focused on his support for Tim Sheehy, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Jon Tester. Trump emphasized his enthusiasm for the rally and upcoming fundraisers, not addressing the aircraft’s diversion.
To continue his schedule, Trump will board a private plane to complete his journey to Bozeman, though the timing of this flight remains uncertain. He is slated to address a crowd at Montana State University at 8 p.m. local time, where he is expected to draw thousands of supporters. Prior to the rally, Trump will also conduct a fundraising event.
Trump’s private jet, known as Trump Force One, is a Boeing 757 outfitted with luxurious amenities including a living room, flat screen TV, and a lounge area. In a January interview with Fox News, Trump praised the efficiency and comfort of his plane. “I’m a worker, not one for leisure. This plane is tremendous for our needs, offering great speed and reliability,” he stated. Although he values his private aircraft, Trump acknowledged the unique significance of Air Force One. “Air Force One is always Air Force One. It represents something very special,” he noted with a touch of humor.
On the same day, Vice President Kamala Harris was seen campaigning in Arizona alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, underscoring the competitive nature of the ongoing election season.
