President Donald Trump traveled at nearly 100 mph in his armored motorcade from Texas to Oklahoma on Thursday to attend a campaign rally, after severe weather prevented air travel. The president departed from a Republican event in Denton, Texas, and arrived in Durant, Oklahoma, approximately two hours behind schedule due to the weather delay.
Trump’s travel and rally schedule
Trump’s motorcade covered roughly 85 miles between the two cities, with the presidential limousine, nicknamed “the Beast,” reportedly traveling at speeds approaching 100 mph. Upon arrival, Trump addressed a crowd in Durant, stating, “Just 33 days from now the people from Oklahoma are going to defeat the radical left Democrats once again.” The president also campaigned for Republican candidates in both states, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern.
Midterm campaign strategy shifts
Trump’s red-state travel itinerary marks a departure from his earlier pledge to focus on competitive battleground districts. At a Rose Garden dinner last month, he had committed to campaigning in the 35 most competitive races ahead of the November 3 midterms. However, reporting indicates Trump has since prioritized Republican strongholds such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama, aiming to energize his base despite his declining approval ratings even among Republicans.
Weather disrupts campaign plans
The president’s travel plans were disrupted by a “major weather delay,” as flights and helicopters were unable to land in Oklahoma. Trump took to Truth Social to announce the change, writing, “There was a major weather delay, and the planes and helicopters were not able to land, so we’re driving up from Texas.” He added, “They wanted me to postpone the event, and I said, ‘NO WAY, I’M GOING TO OKLAHOMA!’”
Upcoming campaign stops
Following the Oklahoma rally, Trump was scheduled to travel to Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday for another campaign event. His travel schedule has intensified in the final month before the midterms, with multiple states visited in rapid succession. The president emphasized his stamina during the trip, stating at the White House on Friday, “I never get tired. If I got tired, it would be a big story, I can tell you.”
Voter sentiment in Oklahoma
Attendees at the Oklahoma rally, such as 54-year-old David Coleman, expressed strong loyalty to Trump but limited familiarity with down-ballot Republican candidates. Coleman told reporters he planned to research the candidates using artificial intelligence before voting. Trump urged the crowd to support GOP candidates, cautioning, “You have to get out and vote. You can’t assume they are going to win.”