KALISPELL, Mont. — Trump defends Qatar gift while pressing a strong Second Amendment message during a Western campaign swing aimed at energizing Republicans ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
At an evening rally in Montana, the president leaned into GOP-friendly themes, arguing that Democrats would put the Second Amendment “under siege” if they prevail in November’s elections, according to his remarks.
Earlier in the day in rural Arizona, he opened with an unscripted defense of the luxury jet now serving as Air Force One, describing it as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. “When you’re given gifts, you take ’em,” he told supporters in Bullhead City, adding that when offered a 747, he responded with “Thank you.”
The stops capped the second day of a Western tour meant to bolster Republicans in competitive races. On Tuesday in Alaska, he said Taiwan would purchase gas from a proposed large-scale project there and issued pardons to two Alaskans who pleaded guilty in 2022 to Clean Air Act violations.
In Montana, he announced a new military testing range sought by state Republicans, declaring that the move would help ensure U.S. military dominance.
While voters continue to wrestle with high costs of living, Trump also highlighted personal priorities and presidential trappings, including the customized jet and renovation projects in Washington. He accepted the new plane last year, despite criticism from some Republicans.
Trump’s visit to Western Montana’s 1st District was intended to boost House candidate Aaron Flint, a former aide to retiring Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who served as Interior secretary during Trump’s first term. Flint faces Democrat Sam Forstag, a labor leader and Forest Service smokejumper who has said he backs voluntary safe storage for those in mental health crisis while describing himself as a gun rights supporter who views firearms as essential for hunting and safety in Montana.
Speaking to supporters at a horse show arena in Kalispell near Glacier National Park, Trump labeled Forstag “extreme” and warned that Democrats would take away guns if Republicans do not hold the line. He highlighted National Rifle Association ratings, noting top marks for GOP candidates Kurt Alme for Senate and Aaron Flint for the House, while saying Democratic Senate hopeful Alani Bankhead received an F and that the NRA marked Forstag with a question because he declined to complete a form. He did not mention independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, who has backing from leading Democrats.
Trump defends Qatar gift in Arizona
In Arizona, supporters watched as the former Qatari 747, repainted in red, white, blue and gold, flew low over a rural airport before Trump disembarked to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” He recounted calling Qatar’s emir to borrow what he described as the best 747, then said the leader offered it as a gift.
Bullhead City sits in Mohave County, where poverty and unemployment exceed state and national averages and per-capita income is lower, according to Census and state data.
Trump also dwelled on capital projects and aesthetics, referencing a White House ballroom under construction, a new South Lawn helipad and plans for a triumphal arch in Washington. He complained that journalists focus on “affordability,” insisting media overlook the country’s successes.
He traveled to Arizona to back Rep. Andy Biggs, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. Republican candidates in the state’s two most competitive U.S. House races, Jay Feely and Rep. Juan Ciscomani, did not attend the event.
With less than three weeks to go, Republicans have begun pulling back from some battleground House contests while Democrats look to pour money into races once seen as long shots. The late-campaign cash shifts underscore a more defensive GOP posture in Senate races and a more aggressive Democratic push amid Trump’s low approval ratings.
The White House has described Trump’s travel schedule as a “midterm blitz,” with frequent rallies intended to limit expected losses that typically hit a president’s party in midterms. He twice carried Arizona, in 2016 and 2024, but lost it in 2020. Montana’s 1st District is somewhat less Republican than the state, which backed him by double digits in each of his three presidential runs.
Other October stops have included reliably red states such as Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, as he contends with low approval, rising costs and the Iran war. Arizona is the lone recent swing-state visit, though the airport rally took place in a county he won with 78% of the vote in 2024.
Biggs, a longtime Trump ally who aided the effort to block congressional certification of Trump’s 2020 defeat, has held a safe GOP seat since 2016. He faces Hobbs, who narrowly beat Republican Kari Lake for governor four years ago. Although Republicans still outnumber Democrats and independents in Arizona, voters have repeatedly rejected Trump-aligned candidates and handed top offices to Democrats.
Trump said Biggs would always support law enforcement and accused Hobbs of doing the cartels’ bidding on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hobbs has countered that she strengthened the border by deploying National Guard troops and increasing funding for local law enforcement.
Other October stops have included reliably red states such as Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, as he contends with low approval, rising costs and the Iran war. Arizona is the lone recent swing-state visit, though the airport rally took place in a county he won with 78% of the vote in 2024.
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