President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed former federal prosecutor Kurt Alme to succeed Senator Steve Daines of Montana after Daines announced he would not seek reelection this November. Trump shared the endorsement on Truth Social shortly after the news of Daines’ decision became public.
In his statement, Trump praised Alme as a respected prosecutor who served during his administration and highlighted his education from Harvard Law School. Trump said Alme understands the importance of maintaining law and order, supporting law enforcement officers, and standing firmly behind the U.S. military and veterans. He also described Alme as someone who would work to strengthen the American economy, reduce taxes and regulations, support farmers and ranchers, promote American manufacturing, expand energy production, secure the border, and defend Second Amendment rights.
Trump noted that Daines had done an outstanding job in the Senate and chose to “pass the torch” to Alme. The president also mentioned that Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Senator Tim Sheehy had expressed support for Alme’s potential Senate bid.
However, Trump’s endorsement came nearly an hour after the deadline to file for candidacy in Montana had already passed. Alme previously served as U.S. attorney for Montana from September 2017 until December 2020 after being unanimously confirmed by the Senate. After leaving that position, he worked as Montana’s state budget director under Governor Gianforte and later became executive vice president of the National Christian Foundation.
In a statement to the Daily Montanan, Alme said the policies implemented during Trump’s presidency helped improve public safety and support law enforcement. He added that Washington needs leaders who are willing to defend their values and said he hopes to advocate strongly for Montana while helping advance an “America First” agenda.
Daines announced his retirement decision in a video posted on social media, saying he reached the conclusion after careful consideration. Before entering politics, Daines spent 28 years in the private sector and said his time in public service had been deeply fulfilling.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans blocked a resolution that aimed to limit Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran. The proposal, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, would have required congressional approval for continued military action. Only Senator Rand Paul supported the measure among Republicans, while Democratic Senator Jon Fetterman voted against it.