...
By Marni Rose McFall
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
MAGA influencer Scott Presler has accused John Thune's staff of denying him entry to a South Dakota Republican barbecue event on Thursday, where the Senate Majority Leader and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin were set to speak.
Presler, a conservative political activist, made the accusation in a series of posts on X in which he detailed how he was not admitted to the dinner sponsored by Thune at the State Republican Convention in Rapid City, but his claims were strongly denied by Thune's staff, who called it a "categorical lie."
Presler is a prominent campaigner for the SAVE America Act, a key policy of President Donald Trump, that would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote but has failed to get enough support in the Senate. Two pro-SAVE Act resolutions have been tabled at the convention.
Read More on News
Thune has been criticized by Trump supporters for its stalled progress, despite the president's repeated demands for it to pass.
In one post, Presler wrote: "It was Senate Majority Leader Thune’s staff that would not let me into the dinner. Thought I looked mildly handsome. Pass the SAVE America Act!"
Ryan Wrasse, a communications officer for Thune, wrote on X in a response to Presler: "This is a categorical lie to make an embarrassing situation seem better by blaming people who had absolutely nothing to do with this. John Thune’s staff doesn’t run ticketing checks at the South Dakota GOP dinner doors. Give me a break."
Newsweek has contacted Presler via email at Early Vote Action, Thune’s office via email and the South Dakota Republican Party via online contact form outside of regular working hours for comment.
...
Were Press Allowed at the South Dakota Republican Party's State Convention?
The South Dakota Republican Party's State Convention is running from June 25 through to June 27, at Rapid City's Monument events center. The fallout over Presler's admittance came on the convention's first day.
On the convention's website, the event was scheduled for 7 p.m. and billed as "BBQ Supper with Keynote Speaker (John Thune invited) Social & Dinner Sponsored by Senator John Thune, Entertainment Following—Dave Martinson Big Band."
Wrasse wrote on X that the event was "closed to press and advertised as such."
Presler had shared an image to his Instagram account, which appears to show a press pass for the event.
In an article published on Friday, June 26, the local news outlet, the South Dakota Searchlight, also said that they had been blocked from attending the event.
The outlet reported that they had completed online registration and received an email granting permission to attend, but that on arrival at the event, staff said they were "having problems with other people who registered as media but weren't from what the state party considers legitimate outlets."
On the website for the South Dakota GOP Convention, there is a section entitled "Press," which has published FAQs. The first, is whether there is "A place for press in Rushmore Hall and Lacroix," which is answered, "Yes. There are areas set aside for the press in both rooms."
The FAQs stipulate that press must "register on-line or in-person for credentials," and provides a link to register for credentials.
Scott Presler Denied Entry To The Event, Prompts MAGA Backlash
In a video shared to X, Presler filmed himself being denied entry to the event.
"I’m here at the South Dakota State Convention, and they are saying that I can’t come in. We’re going to find out very shortly why I am not being allowed, as one of the biggest supporters of President Donald J. Trump," he said.
At that stage, a man enters the frame of the video and using profanity says that Presler can’t come in and cites his posting and sharing of content to social media. "You just get the h*** out of here," he says.
That video has been widely reshared online.
Utah Senator Mike Lee shared the clip, as did Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, both of whom questioned why he had been blocked from attending the event.
Both Lee and Luna are proponents of the SAVE act. Luna wrote in a post on X on June 23 "Refusing to deliver the SAVE America Act betrays every single voter who gave Republicans the majority. It’s a disgrace."
On June 24, Lee wrote on X "The SAVE America Act would make it (1) easy to vote, and (2) hard to cheat There is no good reason *not* to pass it If Democrat senators want to filibuster the SAVE America Act, we should make them work for it We shouldn’t make filibustering it too easy."
Beyond the two lawmakers, Presler has received support from prominent MAGA voices. Eric Daughterty of the outlet Florida’s Voice wrote in a post on X "At John Thune’s event in South Dakota, Scott Presler was told "GET THE H*** OUT OF HERE" because he’s pushing so hard for the SAVE America Act."
John Thune Under Pressure From MAGA
Thune has come under pressure from MAGA to pass the SAVE Act, as Trump’s efforts to get the bill through put pressure on the Senate Majority Leader.
The two have, over the years, had a tempestuous relationship, with Thune criticizing Trump at times, including around the 2020 Presidential Election, while supporting many of his policy priorities.
...
Trump has demanded that Congress pass the legislation before agreeing to sign the biggest housing affordability bill in decades.
The Senate, though, will not debate the legislation until July 13.
Thune requested on Wednesday to adjourn the Senate for the July 4 recess and not return for votes until July 13.
Per The Hill, Thune was asked if he was worried about Trump criticizing his leadership or withdraw support over the bill. “That could happen,” he said.
And this pressure extends to the South Dakota Republican Party convention, where two resolutions were related to Thune and the SAVE Act. One was brought to “urge,” Thune and the federal delegation to continue efforts to pass the act.
The other moved to rebuke and censure Thune until the act becomes law.
What Is the Save Act?
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act—known as the SAVE Act- is a piece of legislation, back by Trump allies and framed by the White House as part of a broader "SAVE America Act" agenda.
Trump has previously called the bill his “No.1 priority” in Congress.
The act would institute new citizenship documentation and photo ID requirements for federal election participation. It has drawn support from advocates of tighter eligibility verification and cleared the House in March of this year.
However, the SAVE Act has been criticized and seen opposition. The legislation would bring in a process for people who have changed their names and require them to submit additional documentation to verify their identity.
That provision has drawn condemnation and concern, due to fears it could impact people who had changed their name after getting married. The bill has drawn opposition from Democrats, and the family of Martin Luther King Jr.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines