State Leaders Personally Fund Mount Rushmore Illumination Amid Federal Shutdown

Mount Rushmore illuminated against the night sky, showcasing the iconic carvings of four U.S. presidents, as featured by Northeast Radio SD.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Governor Larry Rhoden has announced that he and a growing list of South Dakota officials have personally secured additional funding to ensure the Mount Rushmore National Memorial remains illuminated during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025.

The effort, which was initially launched by Rhoden (Republican) and other state leaders, will keep the iconic monument lit through at least November 15. The nightly lighting ceremony is typically unavailable during a federal government shutdown due to a lapse in federal appropriations.

"Mount Rushmore is a beacon of freedom for our state, nation, and the world," Rhoden said. "Our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to defend American freedom and independence – the least we can do is shine a light on that freedom by keeping our great Memorial lit."

Rhoden, who previously sponsored a week of illumination, called on Senate Democrats to resolve the budget impasse and reopen the federal government. Funding for illumination is routed through the Mount Rushmore Society, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at the site.

Extending the Light: Pledge Donors

A wide array of South Dakota elected officials and state leaders have stepped up to cover the nightly cost of illumination should the shutdown continue past the governor's initial pledge. The commitment ensures the monument's evening lights will shine through the first half of November.

Date(s) Covered	State Leader Pledging Funding
Oct. 30 and 31	Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen
Nov. 1	First Lady Sandy Rhoden
Nov. 2	Former Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack
Nov. 3	Representative Terri Jorgenson
Nov. 4	Attorney General Marty Jackley
Nov. 5	Secretary of State Monae Johnson
Nov. 6	State Auditor Rich Sattgast
Nov. 7	State Treasurer Josh Haeder
Nov. 8	School and Public Lands Commissioner Brock Greenfield
Nov. 9	Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson
Nov. 10	Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen
Nov. 11	Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson
Nov. 12	Senator Ernie Otten
Nov. 13	Senator Amber Hulse
Nov. 14	Representative Liz May
Nov. 15	Representative Tina Mulally

Rhoden's office noted that they have received numerous additional pledges should the government shutdown continue beyond the current covered dates.