Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Kalispell earlier this month generated more than $107,000 in costs for Flathead County and nearby municipalities, leaving local taxpayers responsible for the expenses.

Flathead County reported approximately $58,000 in security-operation costs, most of it for overtime wages for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. About 200 local personnel assisted with security and traffic control.

Brad Abell, chairman of the Flathead County Commission, said the county had a responsibility to support security for a presidential visit of that scale. Flathead County does not plan to seek federal reimbursement.

Municipal costs

Kalispell reported $45,781 in personnel-mobilization expenses connected to the rally. Mayor Ryan Hunter wants the city to pursue reimbursement, and the Kalispell City Council is expected to discuss the issue at its Nov. 2 meeting.

Whitefish provided five police officers to assist the Sheriff’s Office and incurred approximately $3,755 in overtime costs. The Whitefish City Council has not directed city staff to seek reimbursement.

Columbia Falls is not seeking reimbursement. The city adjusted operational schedules to reduce the event’s effect on its operations.

Brian Heino, sheriff of Flathead County, said the security effort required extensive coordination among the Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies.

State costs not available

The Montana Highway Patrol did not respond to a request for information about costs incurred at the rally, leaving state-level expenses unavailable.

Trump also visited Missoula and Billings in 2018 and made a campaign stop in Bozeman in 2024. Gallatin County reported more than $62,000 in costs for the Bozeman event.