State of South Dakota secondary Archives: on Foreign Policy


Brian Bengs: Preserving close relationship with allies makes us all safer

Although imperfect, the rules-based international system is essential to maintaining peace and minimizing suffering. Preserving a close relationship with allies who share our democratic values makes us all safer and saves money. In contrast, the "America First" ideology of the Republican Party isolates us by abandoning our allies and withdrawing from the international system to face threats alone.
Source: 2022 South Dakota Senate campaign website BengsForSenate.com Mar 15, 2022

Jay Williams: Negotiate with Iran over nuclear weapons

While the United States was actively engaged in sensitive negotiations with Iran to prevent them for obtaining a nuclear weapon, John Thune signed a letter to the "Leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran" urging them not to negotiate with the United States. This action is at a bare minimum unpatriotic and it is certainly a reason why he should not be re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
Source: 2016 South Dakota Senate campaign web JayWilliams2016.org Apr 1, 2016

Kristi Noem: Freedom to farm and ranch should not extend to our enemies

Last year, I brought forward legislation that would have stopped foreign adversaries from purchasing ag land in South Dakota. China and other evil foreign governments are executing a plan to own our land and control our food supply. Although last year's proposal to regulate these purchases did not pass, we have continued to discuss solutions. South Dakota respects the Freedom to farm and ranch. That Freedom should not extend to our enemies.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 9, 2024

Mike Rounds: Iran bombing stopped conversion to weapons-grade uranium

[On U.S. strikes on Iran]: "The mission itself was a huge success," Rounds said. "Our goal was not to destroy uranium, it was not to kill people, and it was not to force a change in the administrations and regimes. Our goal was to make a chokepoint on the Iranians and stop them from taking the uranium that had been enriched and converting it into the next step, which was weapons-grade uranium."
Source: SDPB.org (PBS News): 2026 South Dakota Senate race Jul 3, 2025

Larry Rhoden: Defend South Dakota from Evil Foreign Governments

Rhoden has added an artificial intelligence chatbot and social media platform to the list of applications banned for use by state employees because the companies behind them are based in China. The bans cover DeepSeek, a ChatGPT competitor, and RedNote, an app similar to TikTok. "My Administration will continue to defend South Dakota citizens from Evil Foreign Governments, including the Chinese Communist Party," Rhoden said.
Source: S.D. Searchlight on 2026 South Dakota Gubernatorial race Mar 4, 2025

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