Trump's private plane malfunctioned but landed safely in the end

On August 9, 2024 local time, US Republican presidential candidate and former president Trump was on a flight to Bozeman, Montana to attend a rally. During the flight, the plane diverted due to mechanical problems and ultimately landed safely in Billings, near Bozeman.

The Boeing 757 passenger plane that Trump was on is his private plane and is named "Trump Force One" by him. This plane diverted to the east to Billings, 142 miles away from Bozeman, at around 4:30 p.m. local time on August 9. A spokesperson for the airport said in an interview with the media, "Trump's plane encountered mechanical problems and then diverted to Billings Logan Airport," adding, "He will then continue to fly (another) private plane to Bozeman."

At present, the specific nature of this mechanical problem is unclear. However, the 78-year-old Trump seemed unfazed by the incident in a video shared by his campaign team. In the video, he said, "I just landed in a very beautiful place - Montana," and he added that he had a high opinion of Montana, "It's so beautiful flying over here. You just have to look down. This is how it should be." About an hour and a half after landing in Billings, Trump boarded a "smaller" plane to continue to Bozeman for the rally. According to local media reports, before Trump was allowed to board the new plane, the US Secret Service conducted a "comprehensive sweep" of the airport.