Oct. 30, 2025:
More pledges of support have come in to keep the lights on at Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Rapid City, despite the ongoing United States government shutdown.
A spokesperson for Governor Rhoden says the cost for one evening of lighting Mount Rushmore is $30.94.
Earlier this month (Oct. 2025), South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and other donors began personally funding the evening lights at Mount Rushmore. Rhoden previously said the Mount Rushmore Society facilitated the transfer of funds through its partnership with the National Park Service as the Memorial’s official nonprofit partner. Rhoden says he’s received many other pledges to support shining the lights should the shutdown continue past Nov. 15, 2025.
As the shutdown continues, the following individuals have pledged to cover additional days of illumination:
-
Oct. 30: Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen;
-
Oct. 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; and
-
Nov. 15: Representative Tina Mulally.
Oct. 13, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has personally donated money (Oct. 11, 2025) to illuminate the faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial after the federal government shutdown forced the Memorial’s lights to go dark.
His donation will illuminate the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln for the coming week.
The Mount Rushmore Society facilitated the transfer of funds through its partnership with the National Park Service as the Memorial’s official nonprofit partner.
Rhoden said Mount Rushmore is a symbol of freedom – and he refused to let its light dim. He said for nearly a century, the Mount Rushmore Society has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the Memorial and all it symbolizes to our Nation.
Mount Rushmore Society CEO Diana Nielsen says this collaboration reflects the enduring commitment of individuals and communities who care deeply about preserving and promoting this national treasure.
The following individuals have pledged to cover additional days if the government shutdown continues to progress:
- Days 8-10: Marilyn Oakes, in memory of her late husband Arthur Oakes;
- Day 11: Representative Mike Derby;
- Day 12: Majority Leader Scott Odenbach;
- Day 13: Senator Helene Duhamel;
- Day 14: Representative Steve Duffy;
- Day 15: Senator Randy Deibert;
- Day 16: Representative Mary Fitzgerald;
- Day 17: Representative Tim Goodwin;
- Day 18: Representative Trish Ladner; and
- Day 19: Representative Curt Massie.
Rhoden said he received other pledges to support keeping the lights on if the federal shutdown continues past Day 19.
Comments