Trump once refused to endorse South Dakota’s ‘jerk’ Sen Mike Rounds again, but he’s changed his mind

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA: President Donald Trump's renewed endorsement of Sen Mike Rounds comes four years after he branded the South Dakota Republican a "jerk" and vowed never to support him again.

The reason for the turnaround wasn't a change of heart. It was politics.

Rounds helped secure protections for Native American radio stations while backing Trump's effort to claw back federal funding for public broadcasting. 

After negotiating a carveout that preserved roughly $9.4 million for tribal radio stations, Rounds supported the administration-backed package. Trump secured a key legislative win, while Rounds obtained a significant concession for his state.

That arrangement may help explain why the president is now enthusiastically backing a senator he once publicly criticized.

Trump reverses course on Mike Rounds

Trump endorsed Rounds for reelection, describing him as an "incredibly strong advocate for the wonderful people of South Dakota" who has earned his "Complete and Total Endorsement."

The president praised Rounds as an "America First Patriot" who supports key MAGA priorities, including energy production, military spending, and border security.

The endorsement marks a major shift from Trump's stance in early 2022, when Rounds publicly rejected claims that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen. Trump lashed out at the senator after Rounds stated that the election was "fair."

“The only reason he did this is because he got my endorsement and easily won his state in 2020, so now he thinks he has time, and those are the only ones, the weak, who will break away,” Trump said in a 2022 statement. “Even though his election will not be coming up for 5 years, I will never endorse this jerk again.”

“The Radical Left Democrats and RINOS, like ‘Senator’ Mike Rounds, do not make it easy for our Country to succeed,” Trump added. “He is a weak and ineffective leader, and I hereby firmly pledge that he will never receive my Endorsement again!”

Trump endorses Mike Rounds for re-election

Trump struck a markedly different tone on Truth Social. He said Rounds would champion key MAGA priorities, including “ensuring American energy dominance, supporting the military, and securing the border.”

The president had previously posted a similar endorsement in July.

“Senator Mike Rounds is an incredibly strong advocate for the wonderful people of South Dakota, a State I love, and WON BIG, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!” he began.

“An America First Patriot, Mike is fighting tirelessly to Advance the Great Values of the Mount Rushmore State, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Strengthen the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE USA, Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Help Secure our already Highly Secure Border, Support our Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump continued.

“Mike Rounds has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election, HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” the president added.

Rounds is facing Navy veteran and businessman Justin McNeal in Tuesday's Republican primary.

“Thank you, Mr President, for your endorsement and trust,” the senator posted on X after receiving Trump's endorsement. “I'm proud to be working with you to make America and South Dakota great again! You are right, I will not let the people of South Dakota down!”

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