RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA – A public dispute erupted Thursday during the opening day of the South Dakota Republican Party’s state convention after conservative activist Scott Presler reported being denied entry to a dinner sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). The incident, which quickly gained traction on social media, underscores persistent tensions within the Republican Party, particularly concerning legislative priorities backed by President Donald Trump.
"This is a categorical lie to make an embarrassing situation seem better by blaming people who had absolutely nothing to do with this." — Ryan Wrasse, Communications Director for Senator John Thune
The event in question was a barbecue dinner where Senator Thune was scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Presler, widely known for his conservative voter registration efforts and staunch support for President Donald Trump’s agenda, including the SAVE America Act, posted on social media platform X, asserting that Thune’s staff prevented him from attending. "It was Senate Majority Leader Thune’s staff that would not let me into the dinner," Presler wrote, adding a call to action: "Pass the SAVE America Act!"
However, Ryan Wrasse, communications director for Senator Thune, swiftly countered Presler's accusation. Wrasse also took to X, denying any involvement by the senator's staff in the decision to bar Presler. "This is a categorical lie to make an embarrassing situation seem better by blaming people who had absolutely nothing to do with this," Wrasse stated, clarifying, "John Thune’s staff doesn’t run ticketing checks at the South Dakota GOP dinner doors."
The disagreement over who was responsible for the denial of entry played out against a backdrop of simmering divisions between some of President Trump’s most fervent supporters and certain Senate Republicans. A central point of contention is the SAVE America Act, legislation championed by President Trump that mandates proof of citizenship and photo identification for voting. The bill has yet to advance through the Senate, leading to frustration among its advocates.
According to the South Dakota Republican Party convention schedule, the Thursday evening event featured not only the barbecue dinner sponsored by Thune but also entertainment following the keynote. Wrasse indicated that the gathering was designated as closed to the press, a fact he said had been communicated beforehand. Despite this, Presler shared what appeared to be a media credential on social media prior to his arrival at the event.
The issue of access extended beyond Presler. South Dakota Searchlight, a local publication, also reported being denied entry to the convention despite having registered online and receiving confirmation of its media credentials. Party officials later attributed these access issues to problems involving individuals who had registered as media but were not considered legitimate news outlets by the party. The convention website does include a dedicated section for credentialed media, outlining designated areas for reporters covering the proceedings.
Presler documented his experience outside the dinner in a video, questioning why he was being turned away. "I’m here at the South Dakota State Convention, and they are saying that I can’t come in," Presler said in the recording, adding, "We’re going to find out very shortly why I am not being allowed." The video shows an unidentified man approaching Presler, instructing him to leave and referencing his social media activity. This exchange quickly circulated online, drawing significant attention and reactions from conservative activists, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who publicly questioned the decision to prevent Presler's attendance. Senator Mike Lee also expressed support for Presler, stating, "Scott Presler should not stop talking about the SAVE America Act."
The incident occurred as convention delegates were considering resolutions, including one urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act. Another proposed resolution reportedly called for a rebuke and censure of Senator Thune until the legislation is enacted, highlighting the depth of feeling on the matter among some party members. Senator Thune has previously acknowledged the possibility of criticism from President Trump regarding the legislative pace of such bills. The Senate is scheduled to resume voting after the July 4 recess, with debates on key legislation, including potentially the SAVE America Act, anticipated later in July.
As of now, neither Presler nor Senator Thune’s office has announced any further actions following Thursday’s dispute, and the precise responsibility for the decision to deny Presler entry remains a point of contention. The episode underscores the ongoing ideological and strategic fault lines within the Republican Party as it navigates its future legislative agenda and relationship with its base.
