Happy Presidents’ Day. Thanks for showing up for a much-needed dose of reality. No fluff, no filters—just straight-up common sense. Here’s what’s on the chopping block in today’s column:

• Tryon’s Lesson & Threat
• 2026 Campaign News
• Trump Nominee Jeremy Carl
• Partial Government Shutdown
• One More Thing

TRYON’S LESSON & THREAT:

Great Falls City Commissioner Rick Tryon went on another rant recently, writing on his Facebook page about pedophiles and people throwing around the term “Pedophile Protector” and people calling those who support Trump a “pedophile protector.”  

In his post, Tryon tells readers what should be done to pedophiles:

Convicted pedophiles should get the death penalty, preferably by having a millstone tied around their necks and tossed into the deepest part of the ocean.

CONVICTED pedophiles, not anyone and everyone you happen to disagree with politically or whose name happens to appear a few times in a tranche of files containing millions of pages.

Then he writes about how serious calling someone that name is:

The “pedophile” or “pedophile protector” claim is deadly serious, and anyone who tosses those terms around cavalierly and casually without having incontrovertible proof, because they read it from some third- or fourth-hand source on X, is irresponsible and reckless.

Let’s investigate and produce evidence worthy of a courtroom, but let’s not engage in modern-day witch hunts where innocent people’s lives and reputations are ruined for what looks more and more to me to be a political gotcha game.

In closing, Tryon claims that someone called him this name and what he is prepared to do in response: 

I know whereof I speak – I’ve been publicly called a “pedophile protector” because I support President Trump. And there’s a website using my name that was doing the same.

So, I’ll only say this once – I am fully prepared to sue the f@*k out of someone.

I’ve chosen not to apply that label to Trump supporters here at The Western Word, primarily because so many questions regarding Trump’s relationship with Epstein remain unanswered. Though the ‘whole truth’ is elusive, we do know that Trump’s name appears in the Epstein records. We also know the gravity of Epstein’s crimes—including the sex trafficking of minors—and I prefer to stick to these established facts rather than engage in speculation.

Let’s call it what it is: Trump is a bottom-feeder who has spent his term eroding the very foundations of our democracy. It is a disgrace that he occupies the Oval Office. I’ve never cast a ballot for him, and frankly, I find the continued devotion of his base to be a staggering display of ignorance. There is no excuse for supporting the wreckage he’s caused.

2026 CAMPAIGN NEWS:

The Steve Daines for Montana campaign sent an email telling readers with the subject, “Jon Tester is getting involved.”

The Daines Campaign writes:

Jon Tester knows that Democrats cannot win here in Montana, even if they are spending millions. He learned that firsthand when he lost to my friend, Tim Sheehy.

Jackie, Jon Tester has a new game plan now – run an “independent” against me.

His hand-picked candidate is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Montana doesn’t need a woke, radical left college president – they need someone who will stand up for Montana values and put America FIRST.

So, what could we expect from this faux-independent?

1. He would allow biological men to compete against women.
2. He would be another vote to impeach President Trump.
3. He would vote to reopen our border.
4. He would be another reliable vote for Chuck Schumer.

And that’s just the beginning.

In 2024, over $315 million was spent to keep Tester in his seat. They failed, so they are changing their game plan.

I know this “independent” candidate will have the financial backing of Chuck Schumer, Jon Tester, and out-of-touch Hollywood elites.

Of course, the email asks for money. It also tells readers that Daines is “Trump Endorsed.” 

TRUMP NOMINEE JEREMY CARL:

It does not look good for Trump nominee Jeremy Carl to be confirmed as Assistant Secretary of State for the United Nations and International Organizations by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. 

Carl is from Bozeman, Montana. 

By the way, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is a member of this committee.

Here are the opening remarks from Jeanne Shaheen, who is the ranking member of the committee: 

Mr. Carl, you have been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for International Organizations. And yet, you have expressed views that are deeply concerning for me, and for many members of this Committee and for many Americans. These include comments promoting racial supremacy, minimizing the experiences of Jewish people and warning about a “cultural genocide” against White Americans.

In his testimony, Carl thanked Daines:

And I would like to thank Senator Daines of this committee, whom I have been privileged to get to know well over the past several years, and who has been a constant source of encouragement and sound advice as I have navigated this process.

The Daily Montanan covered the hearing HERE: “Trump nominee from Montana defends work, views on ‘white culture’ at Senate hearing”

Rolling Stone covered the trainwreck HERE: “Trump Nominee Crumbles When Pressed on White-Nationalist Posts” 

The Hill covered the story HERE: “Senate Republican opposes Trump diplomatic nominee over anti-Israel comments”

I wonder who vetted Carl? 

PARTIAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN:

Did you feel it? On Saturday morning at 12:01 Eastern time, a partial government shutdown began. 

PBS reports:

A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. The impasse affects agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

It’s so hilarious that the clowns in Congress just leave town instead of staying in D.C. and working something out. 

ONE MORE THING:

You call them red flags, I call them 10 fun facts you didn’t know about me! 

## HAVE A GREAT WEEK ##