Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) has followed through on a key campaign promise by placing up to $50 million of his Bridger Aerospace stock into two blind trusts — a move that sets a high standard for transparency and ethical responsibility.
The blind trusts, which were filed with the U.S. Senate Financial Disclosures Office recently, mark a significant step toward separating Sheehy’s personal business interests from his role as a lawmaker. While some critics argue more could be done, Sheehy’s office says the senator is taking meaningful, proactive measures to uphold the public trust.
“During his campaign for Senate, Sen. Sheehy pledged to the people of Montana that he would raise the bar for ethical responsibility and accountability in Washington,” said a Sheehy spokesperson. “These actions are making good on that pledge.”
Sheehy’s move comes at a time of growing bipartisan calls for stronger ethical safeguards in Congress. Legislation introduced earlier this year proposes mandatory blind trusts for all lawmakers, a measure Sheehy has publicly supported.
“He’s going above and beyond what’s required because he believes it’s the right thing to do,” Sheehy’s office said.
Blind trusts are recognized by the Senate Ethics Committee as the most comprehensive way for elected officials to avoid financial conflicts of interest. Once assets are placed in the trust, neither Sheehy nor his family can direct or manage them. Any communication with the trust manager is strictly regulated.
Sheehy’s decision to pursue this path underscores his commitment to public service and ethics reform. With an estimated net worth of between $75 million and $200 million, Sheehy has also pledged to donate his Senate salary to charity and previously said he liquidated other assets as part of his transition to public office.
Sheehy co-founded Bridger Aerospace, a Montana-based aerial firefighting company, prior to his election. Since entering the Senate, he has sponsored and co-sponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at improving wildfire response and prevention efforts nationwide.
Though critics have questioned whether his legislative focus on wildfire issues could intersect with his business background, Sheehy’s office emphasized that the blind trust ensures no improper influence or benefit.
“This is about doing the right thing,” his office said. “Sen. Sheehy is setting a new standard, not because he has to, but because Montanans deserve leaders who lead by example.”
With only a handful of lawmakers choosing to utilize blind trusts, Sheehy joins a small but growing group pushing to restore faith in Congress by voluntarily taking steps to separate personal wealth from public service.