Staff Reports
Just weeks after narrowly escaping an attempted assassination that would make even the most seasoned action hero sweat, former President Donald Trump faced yet another life-threatening scare. But fret not, because this time it was just mechanical issues, and not a team of secret assassins lurking in the shadows.
On his way to a rally in the conservative stronghold of Bozeman, Montana, Trump’s private jet encountered an unspecified “mechanical issue” that warranted an emergency landing in Billings. The Washington Post may spin this tale with the grace of a news ballet, but let’s be real—any mundane distraction from the campaign trail for Trump is still worthy of a headline. Even in a state like Montana, renowned for its Republican loyalty, avoiding an airplane drama seems dizzyingly fitting for the former President as he gears up to support GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy against that Democratic dinosaur Jon Tester.
BREAKING: Donald Trump's plane heading to a Bozeman, Montana, rally was diverted due to a mechanical issue but landed safely in nearby Billings, airport staff says.🧵 pic.twitter.com/GHHTcbSbF0
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) August 9, 2024
Local news outlets swiftly reported on the unexpected turn of events, detailing how the ex-POTUS was scheduled to take the stage at Montana State University later that evening. However, with his jet landing in Billings several hours earlier than planned, Trump was not exactly enjoying scenic views from the cockpit, but rather the quick response of the U.S. Secret Service conducting a thorough sweep of the area—because who wouldn’t take extra precautions for a giant orange target?
From Billings, Trump managed to secure a ride on another private jet and safely reached West Yellowstone Airport just in time to uphold his commitment to charm the socks off Montanans. Local NBC affiliate KTVH didn’t miss a beat documenting how Trump casually landed in a new beautiful state, even as details about his diversions made for an exciting subplot.
Interestingly enough, neither Trump nor his campaign felt the need to comment on the mechanical fiasco. Social media was devoid of the usual Trump flair about what could have been a riveting story of the battle against mechanical failure. Instead, the former President focused on his love affair with Montana, how picturesque it was, and of course, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris like it was a contact sport. He went on to declare his support for Sheehy, the rising GOP star of the Senate race, completely ignoring the blip that had forced him to take a scenic detour—just classic Trump.
In the wake of the incident, Trump claimed to be leading in the polls, as he often does, but the latest numbers paint a slightly different picture. While his ego may still soar high above the skies over Montana, Vice President Harris is reportedly dipping her toes in the lead, by a scant half-point, according to RealClearPolitics. Meanwhile, the GOP’s prospects in the Senate race seem brighter, with recent polls showing Sheehy leading Tester—sufficient cause for celebration, even if the mechanics of flight would prefer to take center stage.
