BILLINGS, USA — Former US President Donald Trump’s private plane was forced to make an unexpected landing in Billings, Montana, on Friday, August 9, 2024, afternoon due to a mechanical issue, airport officials and the US Secret Service confirmed.
The Secret Service confirmed that the mechanical problem was not related to any security threat and emphasised that the situation was handled without incident.
The nature of the mechanical issue has not been disclosed.
Trump was en route to a scheduled rally in Bozeman, Montana, when the diversion occurred, delaying his arrival at the event.
According to a statement from Billings-Logan International Airport, Trump’s plane “landed without incident” after experiencing an unspecified mechanical problem.
The former president then continued his journey to Bozeman on another private jet, ensuring his attendance at the rally, which was a key part of his campaign trail.
The rally, initially set to begin at 8 p.m. local time, saw supporters lining up hours in advance to secure their spots.
However, due to the delay caused by the plane’s diversion, Trump did not take the stage until approximately 11:30 p.m. ET.
This event marks Trump’s first rally of the week as he reenters the campaign spotlight amid fierce competition from his running mate, Senator JD Vance, and opponents Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, who have been actively campaigning in battleground states.
The rally in Montana, a reliably Republican state, was intended to bolster GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy’s efforts to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester in the upcoming November election.
Montana has been a stronghold for Republican presidential candidates since Bill Clinton’s win in 1992.
Trump’s appearance in Bozeman underscores the importance of maintaining Republican control in the Senate.
The race between Sheehy and Tester is being closely watched as a potential indicator of the broader national political climate.
The diversion of Trump’s plane to Billings added an unexpected twist to the day’s events, but the former president’s team managed to adjust quickly, ensuring that the rally proceeded with only a slight delay.
The incident also comes just weeks after Trump survived a shooting during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an event that has heightened security concerns surrounding his campaign appearances.
Nonetheless, Trump has remained undeterred, continuing his efforts to energise the Republican electorate as the 2024 presidential race intensifies.
