Former President Donald Trump has been retelling a dramatic story about a near-crash in a helicopter with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. However, it turns out that Trump’s tale isn’t quite accurate. The real person aboard the helicopter was Nate Holden, a former Los Angeles city councilmember and state senator, not Willie Brown.
Nate Holden Sets the Record Straight
In an exclusive interview with POLITICO, Holden, now 95, recounted the true story of the helicopter incident, which he says occurred in 1990. According to Holden, the mix-up seems to be a case of mistaken identity. “Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco,” Holden quipped. “I’m a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.” He joked, “I guess we all look alike,” before letting out a laugh.
Holden’s involvement with Trump dates back to the 1990s when Trump was attempting to develop the site of the historic Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. At the time, Holden represented the district and supported Trump’s project.
The Helicopter Incident
Holden recalled that the helicopter ride took place as he and Trump were traveling to Atlantic City to tour Trump’s newly opened Taj Mahal casino. The flight had Holden, Trump, Trump’s late brother Robert, attorney Harvey Freedman, and Trump’s former executive vice president of construction and development, Barbara Res.
Res confirmed the details, recounting how the helicopter began to experience significant turbulence, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing. Despite the chaos, everyone aboard landed safely in New Jersey before continuing to Atlantic City.
Trump’s Confusion
Trump had recently shared this story during a press conference, incorrectly attributing the experience to Willie Brown. Trump also referenced the incident in his 2023 book, “Letters to Trump,” where he claimed to have shared the helicopter ride with Brown. However, Holden, Res, and even Willie Brown himself have debunked Trump’s account. Brown confirmed he was never on a helicopter with Trump and didn’t criticize Vice President Kamala Harris as Trump suggested.
Holden’s Take on the Mix-Up
Holden spoke with both Res and Brown after the press conference, confirming that he was the one aboard the helicopter. “He either mixed it up,” Holden said. “Or, he made it up. This was just too big to overlook. This is a big one.”
Holden’s clarification brings the real story to light, correcting Trump’s mix-up and setting the record straight about the harrowing helicopter ride.
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