With President Donald Trump threatening Iranian civilization, just two hours before his April 7 deadline for Iranian leaders to surrender, U.S. officeholders and candidates from both Montana political parties expressed varied reactions. Republican incumbents strongly supported the president, emphasizing his decisive action against what they called the terrorist Iranian regime.
Montana’s Republican Senator Sheehy voiced support for Trump’s actions aimed at ending Iran’s regime, notorious for kidnapping and killing Americans for decades. Senator Steve Daines also backed Trump’s approach, labeling Iran as the largest state sponsor of terror, responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans.
In contrast, Democratic and Libertarian candidates likened the tense situation to the Cuban missile crisis. Democratic Senate hopeful Alani Bankhead criticized the Senate’s inaction amidst escalating tensions, questioning Trump’s mental stability with his recent “irrational, unpresidential statements.” She suggested assessing Trump’s mental fitness, considering impeachment.
Libertarian candidate Tom Jandron urged Congress to authorize any continued military action in Iran, citing the War Powers Act. With U.S. military operations beginning February 28 and over 50,000 troops deployed, Jandron questioned Trump’s alarming tweets threatening mass destruction.
Navy veteran Russell Cleveland, a Democratic House candidate, called for invoking the 25th Amendment due to Trump’s alarming rhetoric. He expressed deep concern over Trump’s power to “end a civilization” using America’s military might.
Responses from Montana Representatives Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, both Republicans, were not received by deadline. With 27 candidates vying for Montana’s U.S. House and Senate seats in 2026, not all were reachable for comment.
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