The Daily Mail reported that the incident unfolded as Donald Trump's Boeing 757 clipped another corporate jet while taxiing at the Florida airport. The occurrence took place after the plane had landed around 1:20 a.m., just as Trump was winding down from his campaign activities in the Northeast.
The collision involved Trump’s $100 million Boeing 757, a plane that he acquired in 2010 and has since become iconic due to its luxurious customizations, including gold-plated accents and a high-end entertainment system.
This jet, built originally in 1991, was taxiing when it made contact with a stationary, unoccupied corporate jet.
FAA Investigates Ground Incident at Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that there was contact between the two aircraft. However, their initial statement did not specifically mention Trump's ownership of the 757. The part of the airport where the collision occurred is not under air traffic control, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.
As of now, the FAA is actively investigating the circumstances that led to this incident. No injuries have been reported since the other jet was unoccupied at the time of the collision.
The Trump campaign has not issued any comments regarding the incident at the time of reporting. The specifics of the damage to either aircraft have not yet been disclosed.
Donald Trump had just returned from a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, where he addressed an audience he claimed numbered around 80,000 supporters.
During the rally, he critiqued former governor Chris Christie and emphasized his strategy to compete in traditionally Democratic states like New Jersey, Minnesota, and Virginia in the upcoming November election.
The rally in New Jersey is part of Trump's broader campaign strategy, despite the ongoing legal challenges he faces. He is scheduled to appear in a New York court in relation to a case where his former fixer, Michael Cohen, has testified against him.
The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in this high-profile trial. He has been instructed not to attack witnesses or court officials during the proceedings.
Donald Trump has publicly expressed his fondness for the Boeing 757 model, which ceased production years ago.
In January, he urged Boeing to consider resuming production of what he describes as “the most beautiful, best-handling plane” from a pilot’s perspective.
His affection for the aircraft is evident in his statements and the custom features of his own jet, which include extensive luxury accommodations designed for both comfort and business use.
At the rally, Trump also made remarks about the poor performance of certain political figures, though he did not specify names, stating, “I don't know it could be all of them. This guy is so damn bad, it could be all of them.”
Summary of Events and Forward Look
The sequence of events from Trump’s rally in New Jersey to the collision at West Palm Beach International Airport paints a vivid picture of the former president’s current challenges and activities. As the FAA continues its investigation, the impact of this incident on Trump's personal aircraft and his ongoing campaign remains to be seen.
The collision at West Palm Beach serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected hurdles that can emerge, even in routine operations. As the legal and political battles unfold, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Donald Trump, who remains a significant figure in American politics and public life.
