HOT SPRINGS, SD—In the continuation of Governor Larry Rhoden’s “Open For Opportunity” tour, the Governor and his team visited the Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs. There, he toured the campus and gave an interview to the press during which he addressed concerns, plans, and policy for the future.
“We’re coming out of a transition where we were really in danger of losing Fort Meade and the Veteran’s Home here, and the Hospital. I think that it’s encouraging now that the waters have calmed with the new administration– that we’ll see a new commitment with our veterans” Said the governor, speaking on his thoughts during the tour.
SD VA Facilities
With 1 in 4 employees of the VA being veterans, the VA planning to cut 80,000 jobs and large amounts of research funding, and the potential effects of cuts on VA facilities in South Dakota, Rhoden said “That’s an ongoing discussion, and of course, we’re keeping a close eye on that and what it’s done and what it has the potential of doing in the state” following that proposals to allocate previously federal funding to states was “concerning”. Immediately following, he elaborated, stating “We’re going to feel some pain, but I think it’s about time that we had an administration that was looking for efficiencies and ways to shrink the size of government and shrink the deficit,”.
On Infrastructure
Contrasting Secretary Kristi Noem’s cut of $10 Million dollars of FEMA infrastructure funding which would have benefitted South Dakota infrastructure, Governor Rhoden reaffirmed his commitment to his GRIT taskforce announced on June 2, 2025, which seeks to prepare SD infrastructure for potential future disasters, saying that “It’s only wise to be prepared for all situations, no matter what they may be”.
On The Border
Speaking on his visit to the Border two weeks ago, Rhoden spoke to the “Night and Day” difference between the Trump and Biden administrations, describing an area that used to see 4,000 cases of illegal immigration per day now being lowered to “Under 100,” and his appreciation to the National Guard and local authorities for “Protecting our borders,” in collaboration with ICE.
Bringing the conversation back to South Dakota, Rhoden then spoke on South Dakota Highway Patrol’s recent partnership with ICE under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), speaking of plans to deputize Highway Patrol for the processing of individuals in South Dakota.
On Concerns for LGBTQ+ Veterans, Service Members, Civilians
Toward the end of his visits, concerns were raised regarding the safety and welcomeness of LGBTQ+ citizens of South Dakota, as well as LGBTQ+ veterans and active armed forces members in light of efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate support for such individuals, including phasing out gender-affirming care provided to transgender veterans. The governor, who signed into law a bill earlier this year that banned transgender children and adults from using bathrooms that correspond to their gender within government buildings stated that “There is no reason for concern for them” in the future, going on to say for those concerned for their ability to receive care “All men are created equal, all women are created equal, and we will provide them care just like any other citizen of our state”.
