Trump Introduces Weapons-Testing Range in Montana, Discusses Gun Rights and Tariffs

President Donald Trump revealed plans for a new weapons-testing “Super Range” in Montana dedicated to advanced weapons and technologies. During a campaign rally in the state, he defended gun rights and his tariff policies.

Super Range Announcement

“I’m pleased to inform you and announce that right here in Montana, the Department of War is going to establish a new Super Range for testing advanced weapons and technologies,” Trump declared at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.

The range will test autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare technology, supersonics, and hypersonics. Trump emphasized Montana’s role in maintaining the supremacy of the American military.

Campaigning for Republican Candidate

Trump visited Kalispell to back Republican Aaron Flint, facing Democrat Sam Forstag for Montana’s 1st Congressional District seat, previously held by Republican Representative Ryan Zinke. This rally marked his second campaign event of the day, following an appearance in Arizona, aimed at supporting Republican candidates before the midterm elections on November 3.

Defense of Gun Rights

Trump highlighted the Second Amendment during his remarks, pointing out potential repercussions if Democrats won.

“If the Democrat communists win, they will take away your guns,” Trump asserted. “You know who would love that to happen? Some of the wild animals you have up here that like eating you. The animals would gain a lot of weight.”

He reassured the crowd, stating: “If you vote Republican, your cherished Second Amendment shall not be infringed on in any way, shape, or form.”

Comparing National Rifle Association ratings, Trump noted top ratings for Flint and Republican Senate candidate Kurt Alme, while Democratic Senate candidate Alani Bankhead received an F. House candidate Forstag was marked with a question due to incomplete responses to the NRA questionnaire.

Bankhead competes against Alme and independent Seth Bodnar for the Senate seat vacated by Republican Senator Steve Daines.

Promotion of Outdoor Culture

Trump addressed Montana’s outdoor culture, promoting expanded hunting access on public lands. He jokingly questioned the specificity of his prepared remarks regarding expanded hunting authorizations for 160 acres of the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge.

“We expanded hunting authorizations for 160 acres of the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge. Do you know that refuge? Anybody?” Trump quipped.

Defense of Tariff Policies

At the rally, Trump presented a case for tariffs, rejecting claims they lead to inflation, stating they generate wealth.

“Every once in a while, you hear someone say, ‘Tariffs caused inflation.’ We have very little inflation,” Trump said. “Tariffs don’t cause inflation. They cause wealth.”

Trump argued his tariff policies protected American sawmills, claiming a scenario without tariffs would threaten the industry. His remarks coincided with an inflation report showing a 3.7 percent rise from the previous year.

Despite stating he reduced inflation from 19 percent to 1.7 percent, the latest figures did not align with such an assertion.

Addressing tax policies, Trump hoped to win over farmers and ranchers by mentioning changes to estate taxes designed to facilitate passing farms and ranches onto future generations.