President Donald Trump endorsed Republican South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds for reelection again on Monday despite vowing to never support him just four years prior.
Trump called Rounds an “incredibly strong advocate for the wonderful people of South Dakota” who has earned the president’s complete and total endorsement. Trump went on to praise him as an “America First Patriot” who will champion signature MAGA policies like ensuring American energy dominance, supporting the military, and securing the border.
While Trump emphatically endorsed Rounds in his recent Truth Social post, the president did not mince words back in 2022 after the South Dakota senator stated the 2020 election was “fair.” (RELATED: Trump Endorses Against GOP Congresswoman Who Defied Him On Epstein Files)
“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.”
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., questions Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing titled The Financial Stability Oversight Council Annual Report to Congress, in Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)
“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!” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Trump Weighing Pulling GOP Endorsement Amid Sexual Misconduct Scandal)
Rounds thanked Trump for his 11th hour endorsement, urging voters to cast their ballots in favor of the Republican incumbent on Tuesday. Rounds is facing off against Navy veteran and businessman Justin McNeal in the Republican primary.
“Thank you Mr. President for your endorsement and trust,” Rounds said in a post on X. “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!”
Trump previously endorsed Rounds in July in a Truth Social post, asserting Rounds would “NEVER” let the people of South Dakota down.