President Trump endorses Sen. Mike Rounds for re-election, reversing his prior vow never to support the South Dakota lawmaker.

Trump Endorses Longtime Rival After Previous Pledge

President Donald Trump has issued a full endorsement of Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, reversing his prior pledge never to support the Republican lawmaker again. The announcement came Monday via Trump’s official Truth Social account, signaling a significant shift in party dynamics as the 2026 election season draws near.

Trump’s endorsement follows a period of public tension with Rounds, who in early 2022 described the 2020 presidential election as “fair” during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” At that time, Trump sharply rebuked Rounds, calling him a “jerk” and promising, “I will never endorse this jerk again.” Trump criticized Rounds for allegedly siding with “Radical Left Democrats and RINOS,” and declared he would never again support the senator, then still several years away from re-election.

Despite the heated rhetoric, Trump’s new endorsement was unequivocal. “Mike Rounds has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” the president posted. He went on to describe Rounds as “An America First Patriot,” emphasizing loyalty and party unity.

Rounds Responds With Gratitude and Optimism

Senator Rounds, who has served South Dakota in the Senate since 2015, responded promptly to the endorsement on X (formerly Twitter). “Thank you, President Trump, for your endorsement,” Rounds wrote. “I look forward to working with you to make America even better!” The public exchange signals renewed cooperation as the Republican Party prepares for crucial congressional races.

The reconciliation between Trump and Rounds marks a notable moment for Republican cohesion. Rounds’ previous break from Trump over the 2020 election results had positioned him as a rare dissenting voice within the GOP. Trump’s willingness to renew his support highlights evolving strategies among party leaders as they seek to maximize support heading into the next election cycle.

The White House has not yet commented on the endorsement, and it remains to be seen how the shift will resonate among conservative voters and party officials in South Dakota and beyond. Trump’s ability to mobilize his base remains a central force in Republican politics, and his endorsements are closely watched by candidates and strategists nationwide.

As the 2026 campaign landscape takes shape, Trump’s endorsement of Rounds may serve as a signal for further efforts at party unity, even among rivals with contentious pasts. The episode underscores the fluid nature of political alliances as candidates, incumbents, and national leaders adapt to shifting dynamics and voter expectations.