President Donald Trump was the third president to visit Durant when he spoke at a rally on Oct. 1 at the Choctaw Event Center.
President Theodore Roosevelt stopped in Durant in 1905, and President Barack Obama spoke in 2015 at Durant High School, and his speech was about expanding internet service to rural communities.
Many local leaders shared their thoughts on social media about President Trump’s visit.
In a statement before Trump’s visit, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said, “This is the third time we have had the honor of a sitting U.S. president coming to the Choctaw Nation, and we welcome President Trump. We hope his visit provides an opportunity to learn more about what we do as a sovereign nation for our members and for all people in southeast Oklahoma.” Bryan County Sheriff Joey Tucker said after the event that it was an honor to work with the Secret Service and President Trump’s staff to make sure his visit happened without an incident.
“Many long hours were put in by all of our deputies and jail staff preparing for this visit,” Tucker said. “This is the second time the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office has been a part of a presidential detail with the first being President Obama’s visit.
“The president’s detail allowed us to bring our families, at a short notice, to look at the motorcade and take pictures. The agents in charge of the motorcade are second to none. Absolute professionals who care wholeheartedly about protecting our president. I am so honored we were able to be a part of this event and so proud our families were able to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the work that goes into protecting our president.”
Bryan County EMS Chief Brian Norton said, “If you would’ve told me 29 years ago that Bryan County EMS would’ve been involved in two presidential details in Durant, Oklahoma, I would’ve laughed. Today, I sit back and think what an honor it has been for BCEMS to serve on two presidential details in Durant, the first one in 2015 with President Obama and the second one in 2026 with President Trump.”
The Durant Fire Department thanked neighboring agencies who assisted in Trump’s visit.
“We are grateful for the support and teamwork from Ardmore Fire Department, Sherman Fire-Rescue, Grayson County Airport Fire Department, Calera Fire Department, and the Oklahoma National Guard 63rd Civil Support Team,” DFD said.
“We appreciate everyone who came together to help support our department and our community during this special visit. Your professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to assist are truly appreciated.”
Durant Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Kara Byrd attended the rally, and she said what a moment it was for Durant.
“Regardless of political affiliation, having a president visit Durant puts our community, our people, and our region in the national spotlight,” Byrd said. “But beyond the headlines and the politics, there was something I was especially proud to see: Durant showed up.
“Our businesses welcomed visitors. Our community leaders worked together. Our city, public safety teams, law enforcement, tribal partners and countless individuals worked behind the scenes to make a complicated day run smoothly. That is what community looks like.”
Byrd thanked everyone who helped welcome President Trump.
“Durant was seen,” Byrd said. “Durant was heard. Durant showed what happens when a community comes together like we always have and always will. I’m proud to call this community home.”
Oklahoma State Rep. Cody Maynard said Trump’s visit was a historic day for Durant and the Choctaw Nation.
“Crystal, the kids, and I were grateful to have the opportunity to be there and witness a little piece of local history together,” Maynard said. “What made me especially proud was seeing so many people from our community show up, standing in the rain for hours to be part of the day. There is something special about seeing our corner of Oklahoma on the national stage. It was a day our community will be talking about for a long time.”
Oklahoma State Sen. David Bullard said it was a great night for Durant and Oklahoma.
“What an incredible rally,” Bullard said. “President Trump delivered a great speech, the turnout was massive, and the energy from the crowd was electric. A huge thank you to the Choctaw Nation for rolling out the red carpet and showing such tremendous hospitality to the president and everyone who came out tonight. Y’all did an amazing job. It was an honor to attend such a historic event for our community.”