Topline
Former President Donald Trump’s flight to Bozeman, Montana, was interrupted by a mechanical issue Friday, according to multiple outlets, forcing the plane to land at an alternate airport ahead of the former president’s rally in the red state.
Trump will speak tonight in Bozeman. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Key Facts
The Bozeman-bound plane was diverted due to mechanical issues, The Washington Post reported, citing airport staff at Billings Logan International Airport—the alternative landing site for the plane located about 140 miles east of Bozeman.
An unnamed law enforcement source confirmed the mechanical issue to CBS.
Details of the mechanical issue have not been disclosed by Trump’s campaign, which posted a video of the former president announcing his arrival in Montana.
Trump continued his trip to Bozeman on a private jet, according to the Associated Press.
Trump’s rally is slated for 10 p.m. EDT and will likely be used to voice support for Republican Senate nominee Tim Sheehy, who is running against incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.
A representative for Trump did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
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Key Background
Trump endorsed Sheehy for Senate in February in what has become a crucial race for Republicans as they look to regain control of the Senate. A successful flip of Tester’s seat would mark a significant Republican win and remove Tester from the picture after 18 years as a senator—though his previous races have been tightly contested. Trump, who said earlier this year Sheehy is “the candidate who is currently best-positioned” to defeat Tester, won Montana by 16 points in 2020.
Further Reading
Trump plane heading to Montana rally was diverted but landed safely nearby, airport staff says (AP)
Trump plane diverted ahead of Montana rally (The Washington Post)
Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the Reddit blackout protest and debunked viral rumors. Prior to joining Forbes, Antonio was a reporter with the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and Los Angeles Business Journal covering the local finance and biotech sectors. He graduated from California State University San Marcos in 2020 and completed a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Southern California the following year. Follow Pequeño for continued coverage on Elon Musk, X and ongoing developments at various social media companies. Tips: apequeno@forbes.com.
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