Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox News with Martha MacCallum to discuss various issues including China’s interest in American agriculture, the Biden-Harris administration's perceived weaknesses, and the necessity of supporting Israel.

Regarding agriculture under the current administration, Thune expressed concerns about rising costs and declining commodity prices. "I think it's a big concern, Martha. And the reason farmers and ranchers are so supportive of President Trump and his policies is because under the Biden-Harris administration, what they've seen with inflation is a huge rise in input costs, declining commodity prices, and a record trade deficit," he stated.

Thune highlighted significant trade deficits in agriculture for the first time ever. "Last year is the first year ever we had a trade deficit. This year it's going to be over $30 billion and they're saying the year after that, [a] $42 billion trade deficit for agriculture in this country," he noted.

He also criticized increases in costs for essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and diesel fuel. “When you look at the increase in fertilizer cost, increase in diesel costs and land and equipment... these policies of this administration have been an absolute failure when it comes to farmers and ranchers,” Thune said.

Discussing foreign adversaries' perceptions of U.S. leadership, Thune remarked that they do not respect President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. “And I think that's the problem, Martha... they prey on that weakness,” he commented.

Thune also emphasized unwavering support for Israel amidst ongoing regional conflicts. "I think that we have to be prepared to have Israel's back, you know, whatever that takes," he affirmed. He pointed out Iran's involvement through various militant groups: "It's Iran... Hezbollah... Hamas... Houthis... all these Iranian militias."

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