My first real step into service was through the military. I spent 23 years as a Navy SEAL, and that experience continues to shape how I see the world to this day. The military teaches you discipline, accountability and the idea that the mission comes before the individual. You also learn that leadership isn’t about rank; it’s about responsibility. Those lessons translate directly into public service. After retiring from the Navy, I remained involved at the local level, coaching, working with veterans and eventually serving in the Montana State Senate. What motivated me to run for Congress was a sense that Montana needed a strong voice in Washington, someone who would fight for our way of life instead of apologizing for it. I didn’t get into this to be a politician; I got into it to serve — plain and simple. What are your thoughts on the direction of the administration, and how has it been to work with President Trump? I’ll start by saying this: President Trump is exactly who people think he is. He is doing exactly what he campaigned for and was elected to do. He’s direct, he’s results-oriented, and he doesn’t have much patience for Washington games. From my perspective, that’s not a bad thing. Too often, this town gets bogged down in processes and politics rather than focusing on outcomes. Working with President Trump has always been about getting things done. When I served as Secretary of the Interior, the focus was on American energy independence, access to public lands and cutting through unnecessary red tape. As a member of Congress, my priority is to ensure that Montana’s interests are at the forefront as the administration sets its agenda. I think the direction of the administration reflects a broader frustration that many Americans share. People want secure borders, a strong economy, respect for law enforcement and the military, and a government that doesn’t overreach into their daily lives. You don’t have to agree with every social media post or every headline to recognize that there’s a real push to shake up a system that hasn’t been working for America’s families. At the end of the day, my job isn’t to be a cheerleader or a critic; it’s to be an advocate for Montana. When the administration’s policies help our state, I support them. When they don’t, I say so. That’s how representation is supposed to work. What are the main issues you’re currently working on? The list is long, but a few priorities rise to the top. First and foremost is the economy. Montana may be big and rural, but we’re not immune to inflation, supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Families feel it at the grocery store, at the gas pump and when they’re trying to make big purchases. I’m focused on policies that rein in spending, support small businesses and encourage job growth. Energy is another major issue. Montana is an energy-rich state — we produce coal, oil, gas and renewables. I believe in an all of the above approach. We can be good stewards of the land while also recognizing that affordable, reliable energy is essential to our economy. Shutting down domestic production doesn’t help the environment; it just makes us more dependent on foreign sources. Veterans’ issues are also close to my heart. We owe our veterans more than words — we owe them action. That means timely access to health care, support for mental health and PTSD, and making sure veterans can transition successfully into civilian life. Montana has one of the highest per capita veteran populations in the country, so this isn’t an abstract issue for us. Finally, I spend a lot of time on public lands and outdoor access. Montanans love their public lands, and so do I. The key is balance — keeping lands open for 13 MONTANA AUTO DEALER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==