Montana

The Trump-Class Battleship Might Just Be Another Montana-Class Battleship

Published

3 weeks ago

December 24, 2025

The Trump-Class Battleship Might Just Be Another Montana-Class Battleship

Key Points and Summary – Trump’s newly announced Trump-class “Golden Fleet” recalls the U.S. Navy’s never-built Montana-class battleships: huge, heavily armed ships overtaken by changing strategy.

-In 1940, Montanas were conceived as super-battleships, but World War II quickly proved carriers, submarines, and escorts were more decisive, and the program was canceled before keels were laid.

Trump-Class Battleship. Image Credit: Creative Commons/White House.

-Today, Trump’s vision faces different but parallel constraints: hyper-partisan politics, tight shipbuilding capacity, and a fast-moving shift toward missiles, drones, and distributed fleets.

-The article argues the real lesson of Montana is that strategy and technology can outrun prestige platforms before they ever reach the water. History may be repeating itself.

Trump-Class Battleship Golden Fleet: Another Montana-Class?

In 1940, as war spread across Europe and tensions with Japan continued to rise in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy was still planning for a conflict in which heavily armed surface fleets would play a decisive role. Battleships remained central to American naval thinking, and Congress had just approved a significant expansion of the fleet under the Two-Ocean Navy Act.

Within that framework, Navy planners authorized a new class of battleships that would be larger, more heavily protected, and more powerfully armed than any the United States had previously built.

Designated the Montana-class, the ships were intended to represent the next step in battleship technology and capability at a moment when naval strategy itself was about to change significantly.

The program, however, never worked out as planned. In fact, none of the five planned Montana-class ships ever saw steel laid on a dock. The program was canceled before construction began, and the class never entered service. But why?

The answer isn’t precisely simple: it was a combination of shifting priorities, politics, and a total transformation in naval warfare that effectively made battleships strategically obsolete before they could even be built.

Trump-Class Battleship. Image Credit: Creative Commons/White House Photo.

As U.S. President Donald Trump announces plans for an entirely new class of battleships to form what he calls the “Golden Fleet,” the story of the Montana-class is well worth revisiting today.

The Montana-Class Vision and World War II

In the late 1930s and into the early 1940s, the U.S. Navy’s battleship force was undergoing its most ambitious expansion since World War I. Battleships like the North Carolina, South Dakota, and Iowa classes were designed or authorized after treaties capped armament and displacement. With treaty restrictions effectively ended and global conflict looming, the Navy chose to pursue a new class of super battleships – designated BB-67 through BB-71 – that would surpass even the formidable Iowa-class in terms of size and firepower.

The Montana-class was set to displace more than 60,000 tons, measure more than 920 feet in length, and carry twelve Mark 7 guns in four triple turrets – significantly more heavy guns than the nine on an Iowa-class ship. Armor protection was also made thicker and more extensive.

Congress authorized construction of the Montana-class as part of the Two-Ocean Navy Act of July 1940, which aimed to expand U.S. naval capabilities as war engulfed Europe and Asia. The intention was for these battleships to serve as the centerpiece of a powerful surface fleet capable of countering German and Japanese warships.

However, even as the designs were being confirmed and contracts authorized, larger strategic shifts were underway. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the Pacific campaign that followed accelerated the prominence and demand for aircraft carriers. The Navy began to allocate resources differently, and shipyard capacity, steel, and manpower became limited during wartime. Ultimately, the need for Essex-class aircraft carriers, destroyer escorts, landing craft, and anti-submarine vessels became more urgent.

Battleship construction, even for the existing Iowa-class hulls, began to compete with these new priorities. And while the Montana design was impressive on paper, it was also slower than the Iowa class and incapable of keeping pace with fast carrier forces that were increasingly defining U.S. naval operations in the Pacific. That made the Montana less suitable for the evolving (and now primary) mission of fleet air defense and power projection.

Montana-Class Battleship vs. Iowa-Class. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Recognizing those realities, the Navy suspended work on the Montana project in mid-1942 before any keels were laid. At that point in the war, aircraft carriers had already proven decisive in major battles like Coral Sea and Midway, and naval planners were under intense pressure to prioritize ships that could be delivered quickly and used immediately in combat. Large battleships that would not enter service until 1945 or later no longer made any strategic sense.

By July 1943, the decision was made official, and the Montana class was formally cancelled.

The steel, manpower, and shipyard space allocated initially for the super battleships were instead redirected toward aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and amphibious ships – platforms that were directly shaping the outcome of the war in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.

The cancellation, however, didn’t necessarily reflect a failure of the Montana design – though a case could be made that its speed was an issue – but rather a recognition that the role battleships had once played was disappearing faster than the ships could be built.

Image of Iowa-class battleship compared to Montana-class battleship that was never built. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Image is of an Iowa-class battleship. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

In 2025, as President Trump promises an entirely new class of battleships that the U.S. Navy itself acknowledges it needs, there are different issues to contend with.

Trump faces an uphill battle in terms of political partisanship, which threatens to veto (or at least rename) the ships if a Democrat wins in 2028.

In parallel, the changing nature of global combat and the increasing reliance by adversaries on automated systems, drones, and long-range missiles means that strategies and priorities seem to be changing by the year.

About the Author:

Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.

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Related Topics:Battleships Defense Featured Iowa-Class Military Montana-Class Trump-Class

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 13, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

16-40-56-64-66, Mega Ball: 04

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

21-32-34-35-38, Lucky Ball: 14

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

06-07-21-22, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Published

23 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Press Release | January 12, 2026

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). A full-length expedition documentary will release February 7 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, prior to its nationwide film tour.

This is a press release from BDR…

Photos By Miguel Santana / Courtesy of BDR

Seattle, WA – (January 9, 2026) — Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR).

The full-length expedition documentary will make its world premiere during the MTBDR Route Release Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, before launching a nationwide film tour at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

About the Route

The MTBDR is BDR’s 23rd route and completes the final link in the Western BDR system, creating a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. The approximately 900-mile route begins in Island Park, Idaho, and travels north through Montana before ending near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka.

Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Crossing more than 13 mountain ranges, the MTBDR takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads. Highlights include the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

Blending scenic gravel, flowing forest roads, and optional harder sections for more experienced riders, the MTBDR offers an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge. The route is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures.

With the release of the route, riders will have access to free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, FAQs, route updates, and the official MTBDR Motorcycle Map, providing everything needed to plan a self-guided Montana backcountry adventure.

“The Montana BDR completes the last piece of the Western BDR puzzle, and it’s been one of the most anticipated routes we’ve ever created. It delivers on every level: big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration. This route does not disappoint.” ~ Bryce Stevens, MTBDR Co-Architect & BDR Co-Founder and Routes Development Director

Film & Route Release

The MTBDR documentary follows the BDR team and special guests as they verify and ride the route, capturing both the scale of Montana’s landscapes and the collaborative effort required to develop a route of this magnitude. The film also includes the next generation of BDR riders—the sons of BDR co-founders—reflecting the multi-generational nature of the community and how these routes are often best experienced when shared. It’s a reminder that the BDR legacy continues to grow, shaped by riders who are discovering these places for the first time.

The world film premiere and official route release will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, with members of the BDR team, route architects, and industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the premiere are available at www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on February 7 at www.RideBDR.com. The waterproof MTBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase through the BDR Online Store.

“As a Montana native, it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring this route to life. The MTBDR showcases the best of our state while supporting rural communities that rely on visitor travel. We’re excited to welcome riders from across the country to experience Montana responsibly and respectfully.” ~ Russ Ehnes, MTBDR Co-Architect & AMA Chairman of the Board

MTBDR Film Tour

Each year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs nationwide host screenings of BDR’s newest film, bringing the adventure riding community together for an evening of inspiration and connection.

Dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an MTBDR screening can now sign up at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRscreenings
Riders interested in attending a screening in their area can check the listing of screening at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRtour. More screenings are being added daily so check back if you don’t see a screening near you.

Route Sponsors

The MTBDR project was made possible through the support of key industry partners who share BDR’s commitment to adventure motorcycling, responsible travel, and public land access. Presenting sponsors include:

Triumph Motorcycles America returned for a second consecutive year as an OEM sponsor, providing Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles for the expedition team. Triumph also supported the project with guest riders featured in the film, including Jeff Stanton of Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Triumph-accredited training and touring partner.
onX Offroad, the official navigation app of Backcountry Discovery Routes, supported the MTBDR by providing reliable, user-friendly navigation tools that helped the team verify the route and navigate safely throughout the expedition.
Quad Lock outfitted the MTBDR team with its patented phone mounting systems, allowing riders to securely mount their phones for navigation even on rough backcountry roads and rugged terrain.
Edelweiss Bike Travel, a leading global motorcycle tour company, continues its long-standing support of the adventure motorcycling community in the U.S. through its ongoing sponsorship of BDR routes and projects.

BDR is also grateful for the continued support of its industry partners, including:

Touratech, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, KLIM, Cardo Systems, Alpinestars, Rev’It!, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, West 38 Moto, Rogue Moto, Moto Camp Nerd, SoCal Offroad School, Fox Racing, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, REVER, Cyclops, Emmaus Moto Tous, ADV Rider Training, Giant Loop, and others.

For more information about the MTBDR, film screenings, and route details, visit www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

05-27-45-56-59, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

21-23-24-28-39, Lucky Ball: 01

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

09-20-25-30-51, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

01-14-22-29, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

11-23-24-54-56, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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