Trump's Plane Diverts to Billings, Montana, Before Bozeman Rally
Former President Donald Trump's plane was forced to divert its landing to Billings, Montana, on Friday due to a mechanical issue. The plane was originally scheduled to land in Bozeman, where Trump was holding a rally that evening.
The Billings-Logan International Airport confirmed the incident, stating that Trump's plane landed safely and the former president then departed for Bozeman on another private jet. The details of the mechanical issue were not disclosed.
Despite the delay, Trump's rally in Bozeman went ahead as planned, albeit with a later start time. Supporters had lined up hours in advance to secure a spot, and Trump finally took the stage around 11:30 p.m. ET.
This was Trump's first rally of the week, while his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, and opponents, Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, have been campaigning in key battleground states. The rally comes less than a month after Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Montana is considered a safe Republican state, and no Democrat has won the presidential race there since Bill Clinton in 1992. However, Trump's appearance is seen as a boost for GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester in the upcoming November election.