On her Fox News show, Laura Ingraham stirred political discourse by spotlighting certain Republican figures she accused of working against Donald Trump’s agenda. Among the names mentioned was South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds, whose recent remarks raised eyebrows in GOP circles.
Ingraham’s critique highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as it navigates its future under Trump’s leadership.
Senator Mike Rounds Under Scrutiny
Laura Ingraham’s critique began with a sharp question: “Why does South Dakota have a senator who is already undermining President-elect Trump?” This was in response to a statement Rounds made during a Halifax conference,
emphasizing the Senate’s role as an independent branch of government. His assertion that the Senate would maintain its autonomy from the executive branch was seen by some as an indirect jab at Trump’s influence.
While Politico misidentified Rounds as a senator from North Dakota, the core of Ingraham’s argument was clear—certain Republicans, like Rounds, appear hesitant to fully align with Trump’s agenda.
Kristi Noem: A Trump-Aligned Nominee
In contrast to her critique of Rounds, Ingraham praised South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for her steadfast alignment with Trump’s policies. Recently nominated by Trump to serve as
Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem’s record as governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to issues central to Trump’s platform, particularly border security.
Noem’s efforts to address immigration have been bold and proactive. In 2021, South Dakota became the first state to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, an initiative that has since been repeated eight times.
Noem has referred to the ongoing border crisis as an “invasion” and has consistently called for stronger physical barriers and enhanced screening protocols for immigrants and refugees.
In an October social media post, Noem stated, “South Dakota doesn’t complain about things – we fix them…
We will continue to do our part.” Her unwavering stance on immigration and her efforts to combat cartel influence resonate with Trump’s vision for national security.
