Former President Donald Trump recently flew on a charter jet previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. The Trump campaign stated they were unaware of the jet's history when they chartered it due to mechanical issues with Trump's usual plane, "Trump Force One."
Key Takeaways
Trump flew on a Gulfstream jet once owned by Jeffrey Epstein.
The Trump campaign was unaware of the jet's previous owner.
The jet was used for a brief period due to mechanical issues with Trump's usual plane.
The Incident
On the weekend of August 10, 2024, Donald Trump was en route to a campaign event in Bozeman, Montana, when his private Boeing 757, known as "Trump Force One," experienced mechanical issues. The plane had to make an emergency landing in Billings, Montana. To continue his campaign schedule, Trump's team chartered a Gulfstream jet from a vendor they had used multiple times before.
The Revelation
It was later revealed that the Gulfstream jet, now owned by Threshold Aviation Group, was previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein. The Trump campaign stated they had no prior knowledge of the jet's history and only learned about it through media reports. The jet was used to fly Trump to campaign events in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado, before he returned to his usual plane in Denver.
Public Reaction
The news quickly spread across social media, with many drawing attention to Trump's past associations with Epstein. Although Trump and Epstein were known to have been in the same social circles in the 1990s, there is no evidence linking Trump to Epstein's criminal activities. The Trump campaign emphasized that the charter was a routine procedure and that they would avoid using the jet in the future.
Context and Background
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and was found dead in his jail cell later that year. His death was ruled a suicide, but it has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. Epstein's planes, including the infamous "Lolita Express," were known for transporting high-profile individuals and, allegedly, underage girls.
Conclusion
While the incident has added to the public scrutiny surrounding Trump's past associations with Epstein, it appears to be an unfortunate coincidence rather than a deliberate choice. The Trump campaign has stated that they will be more vigilant in the future to avoid similar situations.
Sources
Trump Flew to Campaign Events on Private Jet Formerly Owned by Jeffrey Epstein? | Snopes.com, Snopes.
Jeffrey Epstein’s old jet gets new life in Trump campaign | Miami Herald, Miami Herald.
Donald Trump Jeffrey Epstein: Yes, Trump 'unknowingly' flew on charter jet previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein - Times of India, Times of India.
Donald Trump Flew In Jeffrey Epstein's Private Plane To Fundraisers, OK Magazine.
Donald Trump is using Jeffrey Epstein’s old jet to fly to campaign events | The Independent, The Independent.
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