Governor Larry Rhoden has invited former President Donald Trump to celebrate Independence Day in South Dakota once again as the fireworks retuen.
In an official letter, Rhoden extended an invitation for Trump to join the 250th Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore in 2026. He emphasized that the state aims to host a grand event, featuring spectacular fireworks.
Fireworks made a comeback at Mount Rushmore in 2020 after a ten-year hiatus due to wildfire risks from a Pine Beetle infestation. That year, Trump attended alongside then-Governor Kristi Noem, now Homeland Security Secretary. The celebration cost nearly $4 million and drew criticism over health concerns during the pandemic.
Under President Joe Biden’s administration, the National Parks Service rejected Noem’s applications for subsequent events, citing environmental damage, fire hazards, opposition from tribes, and staff safety concerns.
Rhoden’s renewed push for the celebration follows the establishment of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (Task Force 250). He believes that with former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, the chances of approving the event, including fireworks, have increased.
“We look forward to working with Secretary Burgum and Task Force 250 to create a celebration that captures national and global attention,” Rhoden stated.