Dakotas poised for newfound political prominence with Senate, Trump Cabinet leaders picked from heartland

In 2025, the Trump administration and Congress are gearing up for a significant shift in political power, moving away from the coastal dominance of the East and West coasts to focus on the heartland of America. Republicans have chosen Sen. John Thune of South Dakota as the majority leader of the upper legislative chamber, signaling a new era of influence for the region.

President-elect Trump has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as the secretary of the interior. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., is also expected to hold a top position on a cybersecurity subcommittee. This new wave of leadership is exciting for the heartland, with Dakota State University President José-Marie Griffiths noting that it’s about time the region received the attention it deserves.

Griffiths emphasized that the voices of the people in the heartland will now be heard and considered on a larger scale. She pointed out that there are proponents on the coasts who also support bringing more prominence to the heartland, citing Rep. Ro Khanna’s efforts to expand Silicon Valley’s economy to other underserved parts of the country.

The idea of creating more opportunities in the heartland is welcomed by many, including Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., who believes that bureaucratic power should be shifted outside of Washington, D.C., to areas where its work is more relevant. One proposal is to move the U.S. Forest Service to Rapid City, South Dakota, where the people have a strong connection to the forest and want to ensure its preservation for future generations.

With Noem potentially leading Homeland Security and Burgum at the helm of the Department of the Interior, there is hope for a stronger focus on cybersecurity in the agriculture sector and advancements in new and emerging technologies. Mark Jorritsma of the North Dakota Family Alliance expressed excitement over the shift in federal leadership, noting that the Dakotas will have a significant influence on the country’s direction.

Overall, the heartland is poised for a new era of leadership and influence in Washington, with a focus on preserving resources, supporting the agricultural sector, and upholding values of faith, family, and freedom. The region’s leaders are ready to make their mark on the national stage and ensure that the heartland’s voice is heard in shaping the future of America.