President Trump drove by motorcade from Denton, Texas, to Durant, Oklahoma after storms grounded his aircraft; reporters say a White House press van reached 98 mph during the trip. Trump posted live updates on Truth Social and later told supporters he ordered the high-speed drive rather than cancel the rally. He arrived nearly two hours late; no injuries were reported. The appearance was part of a 32-day midterm campaign swing.
Motorcade Nears 100 MPH As Trump Drives To Oklahoma Rally After Storm Grounds Planes
President Trump speaks at a rally in Oklahoma. Kevin Dietsch
President Donald Trump's motorcade accelerated to nearly 100 mph on wet highways Thursday after severe weather grounded his aircraft, and the president publicly boasted about the high-speed drive as it happened.
What Happened
Trump was traveling from a campaign stop at the Peterbilt Motors plant in Denton, Texas, to a rally about 90 miles away in Durant, Oklahoma when stormy conditions prevented planes and helicopters from landing. Rather than cancel the appearance, the president continued to Oklahoma by presidential motorcade.
On Truth Social he posted: "The Beast is going faster than it has ever gone before," referring to the heavily armored presidential limousine. Reporters traveling with the motorcade corroborated the unusually fast transit: a White House press van reportedly reached 98 mph at one point, according to Reuters and CBS News.
Onstage Account
Once onstage in Durant, Trump explained that aides had warned weather was too severe for aircraft and advised canceling the stop. He said he asked how fast the limousine could go and then ordered staff: "Get your asses in that car — we're going to Oklahoma." He ultimately arrived nearly two hours behind schedule.
Campaign Context
The trip occurred during a 32-day campaign blitz ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. In Durant, Trump campaigned for Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei and U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Hern after appearing with Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Safety And Details
No injuries were reported during the high-speed drive. Trump did not provide an official recorded top speed for the presidential limousine itself; a press vehicle was reported at 98 mph. Speed limits along the route between Denton and Durant vary from 45 mph to 75 mph, and the wet conditions prompted questions about safety and protocol when weather disrupts presidential air travel.
Help us improve.
