MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County and airport officials released statements on Friday regarding a Joe Biden event being held at Mitchell International Airport, less than a week after President Trump’s rally was not allowed.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is expected to speak at an event in Milwaukee Friday evening, in a final push to appeal to voters in the battleground state of Wisconsin. This will be Biden’s third visit to the Badger state since the launch of his campaign.
Biden’s event at Mitchell Airport drew questions after the airport declined an event opportunity from President Donald Trump the previous week.
The Trump campaign had initially planned to hold its Oct. 23 rally at Mitchell, but their request was denied. An airport spokesperson said the tenant was told that all special events that are “non-aeronautical in nature” are in violation of its lease with the airport. The event also would have impacted flight operations and been a violation of the city’s ban on large public gatherings, according to officials.
Instead, the president’s campaign moved to Stein Aircraft Services in Waukesha.
On Friday, when asked why a Biden event was allowed but a Trump event was not, a spokesperson said it does not allow political rallies on the airfield.
“The Airport does not allow political rallies on the airfield, regardless of which candidate requests it. Biden is hosting a small private meeting with about 12 people. This is the difference between a 12-person private meeting inside a building vs. a 20,000-person rally on the airfield, compromising the safety and security of airline operations,” said Harold Mester, director of public affairs and marketing for the airport.
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