President Trump announced in Montana that the Department of War will establish a new "Super Range" for testing advanced weapons and technologies on American soil, telling a Montana audience that the state "will continue to play a critical role in the development and testing of cutting edge military technology."
"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," the president said. "Technology is including potential autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare technology, hypersonics and hypersonics."
Trump framed the decision as a victory for Montana officials who had pushed for the facility. "You've wanted it very much," he said. "Kim wanted it. Steve wanted it. Greg wanted it. Everybody wanted it from here. The rest of our country maybe won't be thrilled because a lot of other people wanted it also."
The president closed the announcement with a direct message to the state: "Montana will help ensure the American military always range supreme. So you're getting it, everybody, will you please leave me alone."
Janicki Industries Brings $800 Million Defense Factory to Great Falls
The Super Range announcement came alongside news of major private investment in Montana's defense sector. Trump said Janicki Industries is building a two-million-square-foot defense and aerospace factory in Great Falls.
"Janicki Industries is investing $800 million to build a two-million-square-foot defense and aerospace factory in Great Falls," the president said, in remarks the White House amplified. "Creating many more than 2,000 Montana jobs."
Trump also took credit for preserving the state's coal-fired power, saying he intervened to keep the Colstrip Power Plant operating. "I rescued your Colstrip Power Plant, which the Democrats tried to shut down and send your energy costs soaring," he said. "We rescued it through Greg and through Tim and through Steve and through Ryan."
The president tied Montana's saw mills to his tariff agenda, saying he imposed a historic levy on foreign lumber. "I imposed a historic tariff on all foreign lumber, something that no other president had encouraged to do," he said. "And your saw mills are booming."
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to Invest $3 Billion in Montana Mortgages
Trump announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will direct $3 billion toward Montana home loans next year, an effort he said would help 10,000 families buy homes.
"Next year, under my leadership, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be investing $3 billion in Montana mortgages to help 10,000 Montana homebuyers achieve their American Dream," he said.
Public Lands Opened to Hunters and Sportsmen
The president also highlighted expanded access to public lands for hunting and outdoor recreation, describing the acreage as belonging to the American people.
"We opened up millions of acres of public land to our hunters, fishers, sportsmen, and outdoorsmen because that land belongs to you and belongs to the American people," Trump said.
He cited specific expansions, including hunting authorizations at the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge and more than 3,000 acres at the Great Lakes Wildlife Refuge, along with 31,000 acres at the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge. At one point he invited the audience to join him: "Would anybody like to travel there with me tomorrow morning? We'll take Air Force One and then we'll get off on a helicopter."
The White House summarized the day's message with a simple post: "Big Sky Country. President Trump is prioritizing Montana, and the results are showing."
