RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO/AP) — Former President Donald Trump has picked up the endorsement of a staunch ally: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
“He has my full and complete endorsement for president of the United States of America,” Noem said. “I will do everything I can to help him win and save this country.”
Trump and Noem appeared at a rally in Rapid City on Friday where Noem made her endorsement. A stroll or drive down North 5th Street in the community provided a chance to gather a wide variety of opinions about Trump.
“We’re supporting the Republican Party here,” RT Munyon of Rapid City said. “The state of the country is so bad right now. Something needs to change, whether you like whatever candidate you’re voting for. So it’s not necessarily about Trump, but that is who we’re supporting in this deal.”
Trump faces four different indictments.
“I believe it’s really important that we actually get out here and let it be known that we don’t approve of the guy,” Steve Mangelsen of the Rapid City area said. “I’m sorry. I think he does belong in prison. So, that’s where I’m at.”
Jamie Giedd of Rapid City helped organize anti-Trump protesters Friday.
“I am a rape victim,” Giedd said. “I am recovered PTSD. I find it morally repugnant and offensive to support him. He has been found liable now for sexual abuse.”
Others, like Eric Kratzer of Arizona, praised the former president’s economic policies.
“We need a strong leader who is for America, not a globalist,” Kratzer said.
“I support his policies,” Kirstin Mitzel of Rapid City said. “I think he had great economics. I don’t agree with everything he did by far, but I feel like he is taking the country in the right direction, and we’ve reversed course, and I want to get back on track.”
Elaine Warner of Rapid City had a sign poking fun at Trump and wore a witch hat in reference to the former president’s claim of a “witch hunt.” Warner also shared a perspective that many people outside the rally might support.
“I’m very afraid for our country, and I think we need to get back to sanity,” Warner said.
Noem removed herself from consideration for the Republican nomination, referencing Trump’s preeminence, and the rally has motivated talk of a Trump/Noem Republican ticket.
