JACKSON, Wyo. — Road closures and the presence of park rangers gave hints of former President Donald Trump’s visit to Jackson Hole on Saturday, August 10.
Despite experiencing plane issues getting to Jackson, Trump arrived early Saturday morning after attending a rally in Bozeman, Montana. While in Montana, his plane had been forced to land in Billings due to mechanical issues, prompting his personnel to charter a plane for the rest of his travels, according to Teton County Republican Party Chairwoman Mary Martin.
Upon his arrival at the Jackson Hole Airport, park rangers were out in force directing traffic and barricading streets with traffic cones. A public appearance was not scheduled, so several cars lined up along the streets in hopes of a glimpse of Trump. Sagebrush Drive was closed for 45 minutes and rangers were checking all the cars heading up Granite Loop Road towards the Four Seasons in Teton Village. W Gill and N Jackson Street near the Rusty Parrot Lodge were closed earlier on Friday, August 9 through Saturday evening.
According to Martin, all of Wyoming’s representatives were in town for Trump’s luncheon held at the Four Seasons. Governor Mark Gordon, Senator John Barrasso, Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representative Harriet Hageman were all in attendance for the invitation-only fundraiser.
Martin told Buckrail that the event was very different from the typical Trump rally.
“It was a round-table conversation,” Martin said. “He answered people’s questions and spoke from his heart,” Martin said.
For those who were eager to speak to the Republican Presidential nominee, people could either purchase a high-price photo opportunity, a spot at the round-table discussion or a seat at the luncheon.
In response to Trump’s planned arrival, a public rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign was held on Town Square on Friday, Aug. 9.
