September 11, 2026
Dear John,

Spirit of America

BIG Update

The process of becoming a United States citizen takes time, dedication, and a fair amount of willpower. This week, I welcomed 138 individuals from 48 countries as America’s newest citizens. Naturalization ceremonies are a special reminder of what makes our country unique. These individuals bring different backgrounds, experiences, and stories, but share a common commitment to becoming Americans. This makes our country stronger. I spoke about the promise of America and the importance of being engaged. Being an American citizen is more than a legal status; it carries a responsibility to participate in the American experiment and contribute to our communities. Hearing their stories, excitement, and reasons for wanting to become citizens was inspiring. Congratulations to our newest Americans!

Johnson speaks with new U.S. citizens

BIG Idea

I joined the East River Electric Power Cooperative annual meeting to talk about the importance of American energy dominance. Reliable and affordable energy is the foundation of a strong economy, and South Dakota’s communities and businesses need dependable power to grow. Producing more American energy is only part of the equation. We also need the generation and transmission infrastructure to get that power to the people and businesses that need it. An all-of-the-above approach, combined with smart investments in our electric grid, will strengthen our energy security, support economic growth, and ensure South Dakota is prepared to meet the demand.

Johnson speaks at the East River Electric Power Cooperative annual meeting

BIG News

Twenty-five years ago, our nation changed forever. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives. We remember them, their families, and the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. True evil sought to divide our country that day, but Americans came together in the face of tragedy. We must continue to remember those we lost, honor the heroes of that day, and remain grateful to those who continue to protect Americans from harm.

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