In a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, former President Donald Trump shared a story involving an emergency helicopter landing with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Trump recounted the alleged incident after being asked about Vice President Kamala Harris's previous relationship with Brown.
“I know Willie Brown very well. In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him. We thought maybe this is the end. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing,” Trump stated, describing the supposed event.
However, Brown quickly refuted Trump’s account, labeling it as "obviously wrong." Speaking to CNN, Brown asserted, "I’ve never been in a helicopter with him in my life." He accused Trump of attempting to smear Harris by fabricating the story.
Brown further emphasized that Trump’s narrative was entirely false, saying, “Never happened, period. And I think my memory is probably better than his.”
The confusion surrounding Trump's story appeared to deepen as reports suggested that Trump may have mistaken Willie Brown for former California Governor Jerry Brown. The New York Times noted that Trump had previously mentioned a similar story in his book, "Letters to Trump," and had toured wildfire damage with Jerry Brown in November 2018.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was also present during the 2018 helicopter tour, dismissed Trump’s account, saying, “I call complete B.S. I was on a helicopter with Jerry Brown and Trump, and it didn’t go down.”
Despite the growing skepticism, Trump maintained that he had not confused the individuals involved, claiming on his Truth Social platform that the incident occurred in New Jersey with Willie Brown, not in California with Jerry Brown.
Trump’s statements have drawn criticism, with Brown reiterating his denial and expressing strong support for Harris, whom he praised for her successful tenure as a California public servant.
