Donald Trump Jr., Montana conservatives bash Biden, Tester at Missoula event

MISSOULA, Mont. — Republican officials Rep. Ryan Zinke, Gov. Greg Gianforte and Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy joined Donald Trump Jr. at the Montana Association of Conservatives’ “Protecting Freedom Event” Sunday in an effort to rev up conservative voters for 2024.

“We need everyone out there for the governor, for Tim, for Ryan. but also guys go all the way down to dog catcher. Seriously, get involved, your school boards, your state reps, it all matters,” Trump Jr. said.

When not attacking the current administration over issues like foreign policy and the border, GOP officials took aim at incumbent Sen. Jon Tester.

Criticism of Tester ranged from personal insults to the senator’s voting record. Event headliners Trump Jr. and Alex Bruesewitz, who is the CEO of a pro-Trump media agency, both mocked Tester's weight. Bruesewitz was one of several speakers who painted Tester as “far left.”

“I don't think this is a far left state, is it?” Bruesewitz, the CEO of X Strategies LLC asked the crowd. “So tell me why do you guys keep sending Jon Tester back?”

Ukraine's war against Russia was another topic many conservatives addressed. Zinke defended his recent no-votes on a bipartisan funding effort supporting Ukraine and Israel, while Trump Jr. compared the money to a “slush fund.”

“Is Ukraine a top three issue for anyone in the room?” Trump asked. (Some in the audience yell no)“No? Not one? Oh that's interesting. How about a top ten? (some attendees yell no again) That's amazing.”

NBC Montana caught up with GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy after the event to ask him his stance on funding Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.

The U.S. should “absolutely not” be sending money to support Ukraine right now, Sheehy said.

“I wish Ukraine the best. I hope they push Putin out. I hope they win, but ultimately we have to be focused on what's right for America first and that’s a long way down the list right now,” Sheehy said.

Americans should be taken care of first, the likely GOP Senate nominees said, citing illegal border crossings and the tens of thousands of deaths from fentanyl overdoses.