During a campaign rally in Montana, former President Trump took aim at Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and his legislative record, describing him as a “radical left lunatic” while addressing a crowd in Bozeman on Friday night.
Trump criticized Tester for portraying himself as a moderate while aligning with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and progressive Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. He accused Tester of supporting “mass amnesty,” opposing border wall construction, and rejecting the “Remain in Mexico” policy that mandates asylum seekers stay in Mexico while their cases are processed.
Trump criticizes Tester for supporting policies on immigration and inflation while addressing a Bozeman crowd
Additionally, Trump alleged that Tester endorsed legislation that exacerbated inflation and opposed the Keystone XL Pipeline. He even commented on Tester’s appearance, remarking on his “huge stomach.”
With less than 100 days remaining before the November election, Trump’s campaign in Montana underscores the GOP’s push to unseat Tester, who is seeking a fourth term. Tester is a target for Republicans since he represents a state that Trump won decisively in 2020.
Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chair of the Senate GOP campaign committee, is personally invested in the race, aiming to secure another Republican seat from Montana. Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Tester, appeared at Trump’s rally alongside Daines.
In preparation for his reelection fight, Tester has run ads highlighting his efforts on border issues while distancing himself from Biden and Harris. One ad boasts about Tester’s work with Republicans to address border security and combat fentanyl trafficking, as well as his opposition to allowing migrants to remain in the U.S.
Tester has pressed Biden to enhance border security, urging more action in a February letter. His stance on border security is complex; he supported legislation this year to detain immigrants who committed crimes but also opposed a comprehensive border wall.
Tester had a contentious exchange with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, calling for improvements at the border. Despite supporting Biden’s major health care and climate legislation in 2022, Tester backed an amendment for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2021 that was later removed from a COVID-19 relief package.
Both Daines and Sheehy spoke at Trump’s Bozeman rally, with Sheehy criticizing Tester as a “rubber stamp” for Biden-Harris policies. Daines urged attendees to elect Trump and Sheehy to reclaim control in Washington.
According to Decision Desk HQ, Sheehy leads Tester 49 percent to 45 percent, and Cook Political Report rates the seat as a “toss-up.”
