Barbara Res, the former executive vice president of construction and development for the Trump Organization, contradicted Donald Trump’s story about a helicopter incident involving former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in the 1990s. Res, speaking on MSNBC, clarified that during a project in California, they were working with important political figures like former California state Senator Nate Holden.
Trump, at a recent press conference, recounted an emergency helicopter landing, claiming he was with Brown. He described the landing as unpleasant and mentioned Brown’s concern, also noting Brown’s past relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barbara Res clarifies Donald Trump’s helicopter story, suggesting a possible mix-up with political figures from California in the 1990sWhen asked about Trump’s possible confusion between Brown and Holden, Res noted that after 30 years, a mix-up wouldn’t be surprising. She added that Trump likely wanted to associate with Brown due to his importance and influence.
The Trump campaign did not immediately comment on the matter, but Trump responded to a New York Times article by asserting the existence of records and witnesses to the event. However, Brown denied ever being on a helicopter with Trump, humorously suggesting that Trump might have mistaken him for another Black man.
Holden confirmed to Politico that he was the one on the helicopter with Trump, not Brown. Res supported this, explaining that while the landing was more precautionary than emergency, Trump was clearly scared and later joked with Holden about the incident.