Nate Holden Says Trump Mistook Him for Another Politician

In a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, former President Donald Trump recounted a helicopter ride with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, claiming it ended in an “emergency landing.” California Democrat Nate Holden, who served on the Los Angeles City Council and as a state senator, believes Trump mistakenly identified him as Brown, humorously noting, “I guess we all look alike.” Trump described the helicopter incident as a harrowing experience, stating that it was “not a pleasant landing” and that Brown appeared “a little concerned.” However, Barbara Res, a former executive at the Trump Organization who was also on the flight, clarified that it was Holden who was present during the ride. Res recounted the event in her 2013 book, adding that Trump often joked about Holden’s reaction during the landing, despite Res suggesting it was Trump who looked pale. A spokesperson for Trump pointed out that the former president had previously mentioned the helicopter story in his book, “Letters to Trump,” where he reiterated that Brown was with him during the emergency landing. Trump also referenced a past incident where he sent a private jet to Boston to pick up Brown for lunch, insisting that Brown remembers the events well. Holden, in his conversation with Politico, confirmed that he had spoken with Brown since Trump’s comments and noted that those on the helicopter ride did not criticize Vice President Kamala Harris, contrary to Trump’s claims.