President Donald Trump has endorsed Sen. Mike Rounds for reelection, following Rounds’ pivotal role in advancing legislation to rescind federal funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.
Rounds, a Republican and former governor, had initially expressed concern over cutting $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. He later backed the measure after negotiating a deal to redirect $9.4 million to support Native American radio stations that rely heavily on federal grants.
Trump praised Rounds on social media as a “strong advocate for the wonderful people of South Dakota” and gave him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” Rounds responded with gratitude, saying he looks forward to continuing their work together.
The endorsement marks a shift for Rounds, who previously supported Sen. Tim Scott for president and skipped Trump’s 2023 rally in Rapid City.
Rounds has not officially announced his reelection campaign, but the endorsement positions him as the frontrunner in South Dakota’s 2026 Senate race.
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