Press Van Reaches 98 MPH Chasing Trump In ‘The Beast’

President Donald Trump’s motorcade tore through the rainy highways between Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday after bad weather grounded his air travel, with a press van reportedly hitting 98 mph while trying to keep up with “The Beast.”

Trump had just wrapped up an appearance at a Peterbilt Motors plant in Denton, Texas, when weather conditions forced the White House to scrap plans to fly him to his next campaign stop in Durant, Oklahoma.

Rather than cancel the rally, Trump opted for the road.

“‘The Beast’ is going faster than it has ever gone before,” Trump said of the presidential limousine in a Truth Social post.

Reporters traveling in the motorcade said the trip lived up to that description.

A press van accompanying the presidential convoy reached 98 mph at one point while trying to keep pace during the roughly 80-mile drive to Oklahoma.

No injuries were reported during the high-speed trip.

Trump later told supporters in Durant that aides had floated the possibility of postponing the event because aircraft could not safely make the trip.

Out-of-town pool report #13 – Oklahoma arrival

POTUS’ motorcade arrived at the Choctaw venue in Oklahoma at 7:02 p.m.

During the ride here, Trump posted on social media that “The Beast” was going “faster than it has ever gone before” to get to the Oklahoma rally after…

— White House Press Pool Reports (@WHPressPool) October 2, 2026

“I said, ‘Get your asses in that car. We’re going to Oklahoma,’” Trump told rally-goers in the packed auditorium, explaining his reaction upon learning he couldn’t fly but that his limousine could “go close to 100 miles an hour.”

The president’s arrival came after a busy day of campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of November’s midterm elections.

In Texas, Trump threw his support behind Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, stressing the importance of keeping the seat in GOP hands.

“We need Ken so badly, that’s why I am here,” he said bluntly.

Trump also praised Paxton’s loyalty while joking about their sometimes-friction-filled relationship.

“Ken Paxton was at my side more than anybody, and I have to always remember that because he could be a pain in the a– sometimes to be honest,” Trump told the crowd at Peterbilt Motors facility outside of Dallas.

Trump added that Paxton was “one of the most loyal people” and later told the audience, “We got to get this guy elected.”

“Get your asses in that car. We’re going to Oklahoma.”

President Trump recounts the moment severe weather threatens his Oklahoma trip and aides tell him both the helicopter and plane are off the table.

His alternative? Find out how fast the Beast can go and hit the road from… pic.twitter.com/jhxXlcIzHK

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 2, 2026

The president also used the Texas appearance to tout manufacturing and job growth as Republicans work to make the economy a central issue heading into the midterms.

“This year the United States has added 60,000 new manufacturing jobs, and heavy truck manufacturing is almost up by about, what, 31 percent,” he noted.

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman joined Donald Trump during the Texas stop and later received a shoutout from the president.

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Trump called Rodman “the greatest rebounder” and pointed to his unusual relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“When I wanted to get to know Kim Jong Un, when we’re having a problem, Kim Jong Un and I get along, but the one who knew him best was Dennis Rodman,” Trump said.

By the time Trump reached Oklahoma, the rally was running well behind schedule, but the president made clear he never seriously considered abandoning the trip.

“My heart’s in it. I would be home right now if it wasn’t.”

“My heart is in it like never before.”

Trump said his decision to make the drive was also personal because Oklahoma backed him overwhelmingly in each of his presidential campaigns.

“They’re all going to win,” Trump said of Mazzei, Senate hopeful Kevin Hern and the other GOP candidates he’s endorsed in the state.

“I really came here to pay my respect to a place that I love and I appreciate,” Trump added. “So that’s why I’m here.”

The dramatic motorcade ride quickly became one of the most unusual moments of Trump’s latest campaign swing, with the armored presidential limousine racing toward Oklahoma and the press corps struggling to keep up.

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