FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Mobilizes SDNG to DC at the Request of President Trump

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the mobilization of 12 South Dakota National Guardsmen to support ongoing operations in Washington D.C. at the request of President Donald J. Trump.

“South Dakota stands in solidarity with President Trump and his efforts to Make America Safe Again,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “With the National Guard’s help, President Trump has restored law and order to our nation’s capital – and our guardsmen will help keep it that way. We will not sit on the sidelines while crime threatens the safety of our families.”

The 12 public affairs guardsmen are from the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment based out of Rapid City. They will serve in a public affairs capacity in the joint information command center.

This mobilization is under the command of the D.C. National Guard and is completely federally funded. The guardsmen will activate on a Title 32 status. The initial deployment is expected to last for 30 days.

For the safety of the guardsmen and their families, the announcement of this mobilization was held until the guardsmen were safely on site.

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