Comedian Ruby Wax recently recounted a humorous yet tense encounter with Donald Trump in the 1990s during a pre-interview flight. Trump, then a real estate mogul, told Wax he wanted to be president, prompting her to laugh, thinking he was joking. Offended, Trump ordered her off the plane mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing and leaving her crew stranded in Arkansas. Wax later found Trump in Nebraska judging a beauty contest, underscoring the surreal nature of the experience. She described Trump as aggressive and difficult, saying he couldn’t “figure her out” because she didn’t fit his typical dynamic with women.

Meanwhile, despite ongoing controversies, Trump’s approval ratings have climbed significantly. A poll by J.L. Partners showed his support rising to 53%, with notable gains among young voters, Black voters, and even Democrats and independents. Business owners have responded positively to Trump’s focus on deregulation and economic revitalization. Survey data indicates renewed optimism among small businesses, with expectations of robust growth under his leadership. Business leaders praised Trump’s economic strategy, though some acknowledged his messaging needs improvement.