Keeping Banks Accountable Without Empowering the Left

Debanking has become a growing concern for conservatives across the nation, and Montana is no exception. The reality is that financial institutions have been  weaponized against those who dare to stand for conservative principles, silencing voices and cutting off essential financial services. Instead of stopping this injustice, the bloated bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., under the Biden administration, allowed it to continue unchecked.

Thankfully, President Donald Trump and his administration understand the critical role of regulators in preventing banks from targeting conservatives. We need that same awareness and leadership here in Montana. However, Senate Bill 240 (SB 240), which is currently being considered in our state legislature, takes the wrong approach and could end up strengthening the very institutions that seek to undermine conservative values.

At first glance, SB 240 appears to be a well-intentioned response to the debanking crisis, but in reality, this bill could have disastrous unintended consequences, forcing banks to do business with leftist organizations that promote abortion and other radical agendas. Montana cannot afford to enact a law that inadvertently props up institutions working against our deeply held values.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has been a national leader in the fight against debanking, taking a bold stance against financial institutions that discriminate against conservatives. He has worked tirelessly to push back against banks and credit card companies that target gun manufacturers, pro-life organizations, and other groups that refuse to align with the left’s radical agenda. His efforts have been instrumental in holding these corporations accountable and ensuring that conservative Montanans are not unfairly shut out of the financial system.

If SB 240 becomes law, it could undermine the very work that Knudsen and other conservative leaders have done to protect our rights. We’ve seen this play out in other states—when governments pass sweeping mandates that require banks to serve all entities equally, they ultimately force conservative financial institutions to provide services to organizations that fund abortion clinics and push anti-life activism. This is unacceptable. Montana conservatives should not be forced to subsidize the very institutions that threaten our way of life.

Montana Republicans must stand firm against this well-intentioned but misguided legislation and ensure that our financial system is not hijacked to support radical causes. Our state overwhelmingly supported President Trump and his America First agenda, which has always prioritized protecting the unborn and defending conservative principles. Rejecting SB 240 is about more than just stopping bad policy; it’s about ensuring that Montana remains a stronghold for conservative values. Our legislators must recognize that this bill plays right into the hands of leftist activists and undermines the very principles that Montanans overwhelmingly support.

Attorney General Knudsen has shown what strong, principled leadership looks like in the fight against debanking. Montana lawmakers must follow his lead—not pass a law that could undo his efforts. Now more than ever, Montana must take a stand.

By:  Jake Eaton

Editor’s note: Jake Eaton is an entrepreneur, investor, and Republican political consultant based in Billings, MT.  He served as Chief Strategist to Attorney General Knudsen’s successful campaigns in 2020 and 2024. Mr. Eaton is an investor in the parent company of this site.