Trump’s plane diverted to Billings, Montana, over mechanical issue while flying to rally

Former President Trump’s plane was diverted to Billings, Montana, on Friday due to a mechanical issue, a Billings airport official said. 

The Republican presidential nominee is scheduled to hold a rally in nearby Bozeman, Montana, Friday evening, and is still expected to make it, Fox News has learned. 

Bozeman is roughly 120 miles west of Billings. 

"I just landed in a really beautiful place: Montana. So beautiful, flying over, and you just look down and that's the way it's supposed to be," Trump said in a video from his plane posted to social media, making no mention of any plane issues or of the diversion. "I'm here to do some fundraisers and most important to support Tim Sheehy who's running for the U.S. Senate, and we think he's going to do really well. We're going to have a rally. And it'll be a lot of fun." 

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Sheehy is running against current Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in the state. 

Trump will have to get on a private plane to fly to Bozeman, but it's unclear what time that flight will be. 

Trump is scheduled to speak at Montana State University at 8 p.m. local time, and is expected to draw thousands of supporters. He was also scheduled to have a fundraiser before the rally. 

Some of the rally crowd told Fox News they had been waiting for hours at the venue in anticipation of Trump's arrival.

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Trump flies on his private plane, nicknamed Trump Force One, which is a Boeing 757 that includes a living room, flat screen TV and a lounge.

"I'm a worker, right? I'm not a pleasure guy. I'm a worker guy, and it's a tremendous plane for that. It's got great speed, and all that energy gets us to where we're going on time,"Trump told Fox News in January while giving a private tour of his plane. 

He told Fox News that while he loves his plane, Air Force One, the plane flown by the president, is "very special." 

"Air Force One is always Air Force One, even if this is nicer," Trump joked. "Air Force One is still Air Force One. I mean it represents something very special." 

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. 

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Arizona on Friday. 

Fox News' Bill Melugin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.  

American wrestling legend Kevin Sullivan dead at 74

Pro wrestling legend Kevin Sullivan has died, months after a "devastating accident," the WWE confirmed Friday. He was 74. 

The promotion released a statement remembering the American wrestler, who was best known for his rivalries with fellow legends like Dusty Rhodes and Hulk Hogan in the 1990s.

No cause of death was released. 

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"WWE is saddened to learn Kevin Sullivan has passed away at age 74. A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far-out ideas that pushed creative boundaries," the statement said. 

"As a villain, Sullivan was a major rival for the ring’s most legendary heroes, including Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan and The Road Warriors. He specialized in leading dangerous factions, which included his wicked Army of Darkness, collegiate bullies The Varsity Club and the wild Dungeon of Doom, which introduced Big Show to the wrestling world.

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"The onetime ‘Taskmaster’ also became a creative force behind the scenes for WCW (World Championship Wrestling). WWE extends its condolences to Sullivan’s family, friends and fans."

His death comes months after his daughter, Nicole Sullivan, created a fundraising campaign after she says he had "a devastating accident" while at an autograph signing in Florida May 12. 

"On May 12th, 2024, while in Florida for autograph signings, Kevin suffered a devastating accident. He underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis," a campaign on GoFundMe said.  

"This unforeseen catastrophe has placed an immense financial burden on his family, as Kevin has been in and out of consciousness in the ICU, far from home. Despite these challenges, Kevin has shown incredible resilience. Months later, he is still fighting to regain his independence." 

The last update on the account, posted July 12, revealed a positive improvement in his health. 

"Just wanted to share an update — my dad is starting to regain a lot of physical strength, which is incredible. He does physical and occupational therapy daily, with the goal and ultimate hope that he regains his independence." 

Tributes from the wrestling community poured in, including one from wrestling legend Ric Flair. 

"I Am So Saddened To Hear About Kevin Sullivan’s Passing. Rest In Peace Kevin! You Were An All Time Great Athlete & Friend!" he wrote.

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