Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Montana Voters Get Robo-Calls From President Trump

So-called “robo-calls” are prohibited by state law, but whether these calls are strictly illegal is hard to sort out.
(PD)
So-called “robo-calls” are prohibited by state law, but whether these calls are strictly illegal is hard to sort out.";s:

Some Montanans are getting phone calls with pre-recorded messages from President Donald Trump and others urging them to vote for Republican U.S. House Candidate Greg Gianforte. So-called “robo-calls” are prohibited by state law, but whether these calls are strictly illegal is hard to sort out.

The Republican National Committee is paying for robo-calls by President Donald Trump, according to a report from CNN.

This audio was available on CNN’s website:

Donald Trump: You have to get to the polls tomorrow to vote for my friend Republican Greg Gianforte for Congress. He’s a wonderful guy. He knows how to win. He’s going to win for you.

Montana state law prohibits robo-calls. However, they’re legal if a live operator first receives permission from a listener to play an automated message.

Local authorities have received complaints about automated calls, but Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices and the Lewis and Clark County Attorney tell MTPR that, because this is a federal race, they believe jurisdiction lies with the Federal Election Commission.

Federal law allows promotion of candidates by outside groups, without a candidate's approval, as long as a group discloses information about themselves, including who pays them, their address and phone number or website.

The Trump automated call disclosed this required information.

The Washington posts also reports Vice President Mike Pence and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke have recorded automated calls and messages encouraging Montanans to vote Republican.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content