Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox Radio, where he discussed a range of current political topics.

Addressing the influence of Charlie Kirk within the conservative movement, Thune said, “[Charlie Kirk] had a way of connecting with people that made them feel part of something that’s bigger than themselves. And I think most people want to be part of something that gives them a sense, a cause that’s bigger than themselves. And I think that was the real gift that he had, was not only … the strength of his convictions, which were clear, but also his passion for sharing those.

“And there was a spirituality about him, I think, too, that people find attractive today. That was infectious, and I think a lot of young people in particular are looking for something to believe in, something in which they can find hope. And I think he represented that to a lot of people and they were able to identify with him and … the convictions that he held.”

Thune commented on recent changes regarding Senate nomination procedures: “[The Senate] will be able to now move [nominations] in blocks, which is something … the Democrats had suggested back when Biden was president. And so we gave them a chance yesterday to vote on that. They blocked the vote and so we … went forward with a rules change we will fully complete early next week, and then we’ll vote on the first 50 or so nominees that are held up.”

He criticized Democratic leadership over what he described as unprecedented obstruction: “Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have engaged in petty partisanship on a level that has been unseen in American history. We’ve gone back in the annals of history, can’t find a president who has had the opposition party completely shut down his ability to get his people in place … [President Trump] won an election in this country, [and] the people of this country expect him to have his team to be able to implement his agenda.”

Discussing legislative efforts related to Russia sanctions, Thune said: “We have been working with the White House on that legislation, and we want to make sure that when we move it, it’s something that they are comfortable with and that ... they think enhances their ability to get a deal with Russia and gives them the tools that they need … When the administration is ready to move, we will move.”

Regarding national security investments included in recent legislation referred to as "One Big Beautiful Bill," Thune noted its focus on strengthening military capabilities through funding for ships and air assets as well as munitions production. He emphasized ongoing needs: “The One Big Beautiful Bill had … [a] generational investment in national security, having to do with ships, having to do with air assets, having to do with just replacing, building up munitions and that sort of thing … The One Big Beautiful Bill … was an important step forward, but obviously it’s not enough.

“We’ve got to continue to be ready to meet the threats of modern warfare that are being employed by a lot of our adversaries … I was in Finland a couple of weeks ago and met with the Finnish leaders there. These people get it now, and I think they are, more than ever, want to work as partners with the U.S. … they’re ready to buy our equipment, we’ve just got to be able to start producing it at scale.”

Thune also highlighted challenges facing American agriculture due primarily to decreased demand from China for South Dakota soybeans: “We’ve got a really big crop coming in here this fall, and no place to go with it. China’s not buying, and 60 percent of our soybeans in South Dakota go to the export market. So it’s a function of increasing demand, opening markets. I’ve impressed upon the White House the importance when they cut these deals of making sure agriculture is front and center.”