President Donald Trump is scheduled to tour the Peterbilt Motors plant in Denton on Thursday, but a Flood Watch covering Denton County leaves open whether heavy rain will affect the stop.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales confirmed the trip Tuesday, saying the president will “tout his pro-growth economic agenda” and argue that trade policies are “driving a manufacturing renaissance” that benefits Texas. An administration official told NBC 5 Trump is expected to deliver remarks to workers. As of Wednesday morning, there had been no public sign the weather would change the schedule.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has a Flood Watch in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday morning for much of North Texas, including Denton. Forecasters expect slow-moving storms, widespread rain of 2 to 4 inches and isolated totals around 6 inches, with a chance of hail and damaging wind Wednesday evening. The city of Fort Worth and other local agencies are treating Wednesday night into Thursday morning as the heaviest window — the same stretch when a plant tour and motorcade would typically move.
Widespread rain is expected Wed through Thu PM. Some storms could become severe Wed PM, with damaging winds and hail. Rain totals between 2-4" are expected through late Thursday night, with iso higher totals up to 6". A Flood Watch is in effect through Fri AM. #dfwwx #ctxwx pic.twitter.com/a7mL1m8JyZ
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) September 29, 2026
Secret Service spokesperson Kristin Lowman of the Dallas Field Office said the agency is coordinating with local public safety partners. “The safety of our protectees and the public remains our top priority,” she said. “While we strive to minimize impacts, some traffic disruptions and congestion should be anticipated in the Denton area prior to, and through the conclusion of the visit.”
Denton Mayor Chris Watts said he plans to attend at Peterbilt’s invitation. The plant is the city’s largest private employer. The White House said parent company Paccar has added jobs and increased U.S. truck production since tariffs on foreign-made trucks last year, including more than 1,000 jobs at the Denton site.
Trump headlined the Republican midterm convention in Dallas earlier this month and said then he would return to Texas “twice or three times” if needed to help the GOP ticket. After Denton he is booked for a Thursday evening rally in Durant, Oklahoma.
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