Article Summary –
Donald Trump Jr. attended a “Protecting Freedom” event where he rallied for leading Republican candidates in Montana, urging support for a conservative agenda he said would help win elections in November. The event was hosted by Montana Association of Conservatives and criticized the current Biden administration, Democrats, and other democratic values like social acceptance of transgender individuals, diversity initiatives, and immigration. The speakers stressed the importance of grassroots campaign tactics and the need to talk to other Montanans about their support for conservative candidates.
Donald Trump Jr. Supports Leading Republican Candidates in Montana
Donald Trump Jr., eldest son of former President Donald Trump, rallied for leading Republican candidates in Montana, advocating for a conservative agenda to win November elections. The “Protecting Freedom” event was organized by the recently formed Montana Association of Conservatives (MAC-PAC) and showcased speeches from U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, Governor Greg Gianforte, and political commentator Alex Bruesewitz.
The group, alongside an audience of about 300 at the University of Montana, criticized the Biden administration, Congress Democrats, Montana Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Tester, and the media. They also addressed divisive topics, including transgender acceptance, diversity initiatives, and immigration at the U.S. southern border.
Trump Jr. emphasized the stakes, stating, “It’s not just your American dream that’s being crushed. It’s everyone’s.” He rallied support for conservative down-ballot candidates, including those in legislative and school board races.
The Missoula-based MAC-PAC planned the event as one of its first major fundraisers. Founders Cameo Flood, Alan Ault, and Tori Fort aim to support conservative candidates across Montana. Notably, the speakers did not include any Republicans competing for the U.S. House district representing eastern Montana. The seat is open due to incumbent U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale’s decision not to seek re-election.
Those who spoke are apparent front-runners in their respective races, despite facing Republican challengers in the June 4 primary. Some had recently been disinvited from the event. Their speeches primarily focused on defeating Democrats in November, retaking the U.S. Senate, and reelecting Trump, all in an effort to counter liberal policies and social values.
Sheehy, a Navy Seal veteran with no prior public office experience, began his speech humorously referring to his last name’s resemblance to pronouns, much to the audience’s amusement. He and other speakers linked overcoming liberal cultural trends with defeating Democrats in the upcoming election. Crucial to this aim, they argued, is unseating Senator Tester to reclaim a Republican-held U.S. Senate and ensure reliable conservative representation for Montanans.
Political commentator and prominent Trump ally, Alex Bruesewitz, later called Tester “a fraud” for campaigning as politically moderate but voting in line with the Democratic caucus, while Tester’s campaign spokesperson, Monica Robinson, dismissed the accusations.
On their respective re-election bids, Zinke and Gianforte highlighted their office records. Zinke is expected to run against Democrat Monica Tranel, whom he defeated by four percentage points in 2022. Gianforte is likely to run against Democrat Ryan Busse, although both face primary challenges.
They urged voters to share their support for conservative candidates, asserting grassroots campaign tactics as vital in a year when Republicans might be overshadowed by liberal interests and receive limited media coverage.
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