GOP front-runner Donald Trump arrived at the Iowa State Fair today in style, making good on his promise to take kids on free rides in his $7 million Sikorsky helicopter.
Raw video posted online shows Trump ushering a crowd of children who stood behind the candidate during his media availability onto the 12-seat aircraft – which is one of three the billionaire owns (skip to about 7:20 to see takeoff).
Trump opted to skip out on addressing the crowd at the Des Moines Register Soapbox – a State Fair tradition for visiting candidates, known for its difficulty – and nixed an obligatory visit to the event’s famous “butter cow” sculpture.
Here are some of the best dispatches on the ground as the scene unfolds in Iowa:
Trump helicopter flies by again. Causing everyone around us to stop, point skyward and say his name – it’s beautiful.
— Jackie Kucinich (@JFKucinich) August 15, 2015
Donald Trump is needlessly circling Iowa State Fair at low level in a helicopter with TRUMP on the side. AM… https://t.co/bJEkaG4XEg
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) August 15, 2015
Donald Trump: “We’ve done so well because people have heard my message.” pic.twitter.com/dmsDAcNhdf
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
Trump to Iowa children: “Does anyone want to take a ride?” pic.twitter.com/S52BrFb7W1
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
“Where are your parents?” — Donald Trump to kids as he leads them to his helicopter.
— John Dickerson (@jdickerson) August 15, 2015
And Donald Trump is off with a few kids on board. pic.twitter.com/TjznfSv3S1
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
Full blown scrum as people scream “President Trump”, chant “save our country”, and a Trump helicopter circles above. pic.twitter.com/zFam8hK013
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) August 15, 2015
130p, Trump is at Pork Chop on a Stick
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 15, 2015
A man walking behind Trump removed his shirt …unclear why
— Jackie Kucinich (@JFKucinich) August 15, 2015
Trump leads in the polls, despite skipping the butter cow. pic.twitter.com/3hts2jV1vu
— Philip Bump (@pbump) August 15, 2015
