Gianforte is using the National Guard as a political game

Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signs Senate Bill 419, which bans TikTok in Montana, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (Handout photo)

Let’s just hope the $227,000 of Montana taxpayer money that Gov. Greg Gianforte essentially gave to the other “Governor Greg” in Texas won’t be needed here this year for firefighting. 

With great sound and fury, Gianforte announced to Montanans on April 2 that he – meaning us – would further pile on the Trump-Abbot bandwagon to “declare a disaster declaration” and further condemn President Joe Biden. 

The description allows Gianforte to dip into a pool of state money, the Governor’s Emergency Fund, that otherwise would be used to alleviate disasters – often natural – in the Big Sky State. At times, the Montana account could be used for mutual-assistance  purposes in other states.

But this time, Gianforte effectively is using the money as a salvo in his reelection campaign to demonstrate his MAGA-bona fides at a time when his popularity among Montanans has sagged dramatically – just as most of the county commissioners in the state can attest. Those are among many other dissatisfied Montanans for other reasons.

While no one disputes the southern border situation is a disaster, there are ironies to be considered that are not listed in Gianforte’s list of 20 “whereas-es:”  

• If Mexico had paid for the border wall as advertised, the United States wouldn’t have this problem. Right?

• Congress had a plan in place to combat many aspects of the border problem, but GOP legislators stopped in their tracks when Trump ordered that jettisoned for his next “solution” when (and if) he’s elected.

• In the meantime, prior to the Second Coming, congressional Republicans are castigating President Joe Biden for not using his presidential power – essentially executive orders – to act.

• Also in the meantime, there’s significant GOP opposition to presidential executive orders.

As one who served as an officer in the Army National Guard for 28 years in Montana and Wisconsin, and who had duty in Military Support to Civil Authorities missions, I’m proud of guardsmen who deploy whether as state employees on state active duty or in either of two federal capacities, Title 10 and Title 32.

But in this case, does Montana really need to send 10 wheeled-vehicle mechanics as state employees to Texas for 30 days to change the oil and rotate tires on Texas Guard Humvees?

In my mind, the answer is, “No.”

But it sure makes for good campaign video, news coverage and Trumpish storm and bluster in a reelection campaign facing a formidable opponent who is growing stronger.

(Col. Peter D. Fox retired in 2004 as deputy assistant adjutant general for readiness and training for the Wisconsin Army National Guard and returned to Montana. He lives in Big Timber.)

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