Former President Donald Trump faced a brief travel disruption during his visit to Montana on Friday when a mechanical issue forced his plane to land in Billings, but continued on to Bozeman, where he was scheduled to endorse U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy at a rally later in the evening.

Trump's plane landed in Billings, Montana, at 2:29 p.m. on Friday due to an unforeseen mechanical problem that required a precautionary stop, as KTVH reports.

The unexpected landing at Billings-Logan International Airport caused a slight delay in Trump's travel plans. The former president had been en route to Bozeman, Montana, where he was set to participate in a rally supporting Tim Sheehy, a Republican candidate challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester in the 2024 election.

Secret Service Sweeps Billings Airport

Before Trump's plane touched down in Billings, the Secret Service conducted a thorough security sweep of the airport. The security protocols ensured the safety of the former president during the unscheduled stop.

Once the plane landed, Trump was transferred to a private aircraft to complete the remainder of his journey.

By 4:00 p.m., Trump’s second plane had safely landed at West Yellowstone Airport.

The transition between planes was conducted smoothly, allowing Trump to stay on schedule for his planned rally in Bozeman.

Rally At Montana State University

Trump's rally was scheduled to take place at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, located on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman. The rally was slated to begin in the evening, with Trump expected to speak at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The rally held particular significance as Trump planned to formally endorse Sheehy, a key Republican candidate in the upcoming Senate race.

Sheehy is positioning himself as a strong contender against Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat who has held the seat since 2007. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched and expensive contests in the 2024 election cycle.

Importance Of Rally for Sheehy's Campaign

The Bozeman rally is a critical moment for Sheehy, who is relying on Trump's endorsement to galvanize support among Republican voters in Montana.

The state has been a focal point for Republican efforts to gain control of the U.S. Senate, and Trump’s support is seen as pivotal for Sheehy’s campaign.

The endorsement comes at a time when Trump remains a dominant figure within the Republican Party, despite facing multiple legal challenges.

His involvement in Sheehy’s campaign is likely to attract significant attention, both within Montana and nationally.

Trump’s Continued Influence In The GOP

Trump's visit to Montana is a reminder of his continued influence in Republican politics, particularly in battleground states like Montana.

His endorsement of Sheehy underscores his commitment to shaping the future of the party by supporting candidates who align with his vision.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump's endorsements are expected to play a crucial role in several key races across the country.

His support for Sheehy not only boosts the candidate's profile but also solidifies Trump’s ongoing relevance in the GOP.