Independent South Dakota U.S. Senate candidate Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Bengs expressed frustration about the “growing pattern of lawlessness, corruption, and reckless behavior from national figures who claim to speak for South Dakotans, veterans, and the American people.” “As a South Dakota veter an, I’ve spent my life watching how a handful of powerful individuals shape the way the world sees our communities,” Bengs said. “Right now, the people claiming to speak for us are doing more to inflame divisions than to uphold the values many of us swore to defend.” Bengs pointed to recent actions from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, whose orders surrounding strikes in the Caribbean have shocked military professionals and national security experts. Reports indicate he preemptively ordered “no survivors,” leading to follow-up strikes that targeted unarmed survivors. “You don’t need 20 years of JAG experience to know that killing unarmed survivors is illegal,” Bengs said. “The United States is supposed to set the standard for the rule of law and military conduct. What we’re seeing instead is a moral failure and a national disgrace.” Bengs also raised concerns over newly uncovered Russian financial ties involving Trump administration allies at the very moment the U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace deal drafted in Moscow’s interests. Allies of the administration — including major donor Steve Witkoff and even the president’s son-in-law — appear positioned to financially benefit if Ukraine accepts the terms. “When key figures shaping peace negotiations stand to profit from Russian business interests, the public deserves clear, honest answers,” Bengs said. “That is not how diplomacy is supposed to work. Our international presence should serve the interests of America first and our allies, not enrich oligarchs at home and abroad.” Bengs emphasized that instead of transparency, Americans are being met with deflection, partisan attacks, and excuses. “When lethal force is used in America’s name, we deserve straight answers. The rule of law demands the truth,” Bengs said. “It matters when public officials break the laws they swore to uphold and it matters when they tarnish the reputation of the people they claim to represent.” Bengs reaffirmed that his Independent campaign is focused on giving South Dakotans a stronger, more honest voice advocating for them in Washington. “I’m running because South Dakotans don’t have a real voice in the nation’s capital,” Bengs said. “I care about kitchen-table issues, the cost of groceries, the future of family farms, veterans’ services, and rural healthcare. I want a government that works for regular people, not corporate lobbyists backed by billionaires.” He added that part of leadership is protecting the integrity, dignity, and reputation of the communities you represent. “Every scandal we’ve seen this week should grind your gears,” Bengs said. “They certainly grind mine. South Dakotans deserve leaders who stand for the rule of law, speak with honesty, and make us proud of the example we set for the nation and the world.” Bengs is challenging Republican South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds on the November 2026 ballot. ...read more read less