President Trump’s motorcade reached speeds nearing 100 mph Thursday while traveling from Texas to Oklahoma after officials ruled out flying because of stormy weather in the South.
Trump left his rally at the Peterbilt Motors manufacturing plant in Denton, Texas, and was driven to a second event in Durant, Okla. The decision to travel by ground came after the administration determined that travel by Marine One or Air Force One was not advisable given the weather conditions.
During the roughly two-hour drive, law enforcement escorts and the presidential motorcade moved at high speed on stretches of highway, at times approaching 100 mph, according to officials familiar with the trip. The ground transfer allowed Trump to keep his schedule and arrive in time for the later event.
White House representatives and campaign officials have noted that safety and timing considerations drove the choice to use the motorcade instead of aircraft. The move highlighted how severe weather can alter presidential travel plans and occasionally requires rapid adjustments to maintain scheduled appearances.
Trump’s decision to drive between the two events drew attention for both the unusually long ground transit for a president and the high speeds reported during the journey.
Source: thehill.com
