Trump picked up an endorsement from Gov. Noem

Noem’s 2019 visit to South Dakota: A pivotal moment in the GOP’s history with a pivotal event: Trump’s visit to Mount Rushmore

Donald Trump had a pivotal moment in his presidency when on Independence Day in 2020, he broke with social guidelines to speak to a crowd of thousands and criticize social justice protesters at the foot of Mount Rushmore.

The state’s three delegates are useless, because the presidential primaries are mostly over by the time South Dakota voters cast their votes. So Trump’s reasons for visiting the state likely have little to do with securing votes, especially in a place that usually supports Republicans.

The GOP contender is scheduled to speak at a rally in Rapid City. His appearance will be one of his first since pleading not guilty to charges stemming from his failed attempt to overturn his election loss in Georgia.

The event, which is being held just minutes away from Mount Rushmore, is being billed as a benefit for the Republican Party and the Trump Campaign is not listed as a recipient in the fundraising efforts.

When asked recently if she would endorse neighboring Republican governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, who is running for president, Noem declined to answer.

Her profile increased after she dealt with the COVID-19 epidemic. She never ordered businesses in the state to shut down, according to a spokesperson, speaking around the time of Trump’s visit three years ago.

Trump thanked Noem for her endorsement at a fundraiser for the state’s Republican Party, saying “it means a lot.” He has a strong history with a state that many presidential contenders often overlook in their campaigning.

“President Trump is in the race and right now I don’t see a path for victory with anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits, today,” Noem said during a radio appearance with local broadcaster, KWAT, in June. “I think people should saddle up. It can be a roller coaster of a presidential race.”

Next in line in Senate GOP leadership, Sen. John Thune, won’t be going to the event. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott has the support of those two.

Noem, Trump, and Smith: Trump and the 2019 National Fireworks Parade in Rapid City, Fla., on Oct. 10, 2020

When Trump attended the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore in 2020, it was the first time the event had been held in a decade. Many, including Native Americans, voiced their opposition to the fireworks display out of concerns that it could lead to wildfires. His visit also coincided with calls to remove the faces of the presidents sculpted on the national memorial as protesters across the country brought down Confederate statues and other historical figures with ties to slavery and colonialism. But, according to Noem, Trump dreamed of one day having his own face carved into the granite.

Jon Schaff, a political science professor at Northern State University in South Dakota, said that it was a great success when he visited Mount Rushmore in 2020. “I suspect he’s trying to recapture some of that lightning.”

Smith has defended the ethical rigor of his team’s work. He’s also emphasized that the defendants “must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”

States attorneys in Georgia and New York have charged Trump. Additional charges come from Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith.

“Our momentum is unprecedented and hopefully unstoppable, and that’s the reason that Joe Biden’s ordered his leading opponent arrested on 91 fake and phony charges, because our momentum is unstoppable.” Trump said, while indicating that he might ask for dismissals on the charges.

It was Trump’s first big appearance in a long time after he pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his failed attempt to overturn his election loss.

As Noem and Trump appeared on stage together Friday night, a “Trump Noem 2024” sign briefly appeared on the arena’s big screen. Some seated on the stage held signs supporting the two as well.

“He has my full and complete endorsement for President of the United States of America. I am going to do all I can to help him win.

He is an important man. Noem spoke Friday at a rally in Rapid City and said that he was the leader that the country needed.