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| Sequoia Crosswhite said he was honoring women with his flute song. After his performance, the scene went dark and the words "Seek Shelter!" were heard, as lightning and hail moved towards the event. |
'Seek Shelter' at Trump's Fireworks Event at Mount Rushmore
MOUNT RUSHMORE, South Dakota -- In a bolt of white patriotism, Trump denied the U.S. is built on stolen land and claimed those who believe this are "thieves, radicals, and lunatics" who he plans to exile. Sounding as if he was reading from a 1950s script on communism instead of the teleprompter, Trump's words were meant to divide.
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, July 3, 2026
Updated July 5, 2026: Statements by Oglala President Frank Star Comes Out
and the Indigenous Protector Movement
MOUNT RUSHMORE, South Dakota -- In a bolt of white patriotism, Trump denied the U.S. is built on stolen land and claimed those who believe this are "thieves, radicals, and lunatics" who he plans to exile. Sounding as if he was reading from a 1950s script on communism instead of the teleprompter, Trump's words were meant to divide.
A flutist opened Trump's fireworks event at Mount Rushmore, using the Lakota language, and said he is Cheyenne River Lakota and the descendant of chiefs. Sequoia Crosswhite said he was there "representing" with his music.
Lakotas responded immediately to the performance and questioned who Sequoia Crosswhite is and why does he claim to represent Cheyenne River Lakota. Lakota elders said Lakotas would never be associated with anyone responsible for crimes against women.
The Oglala Lakota Nation strongly opposed this event in the sacred Black Hills.
On stage before Trump took the stage, Crosswhite spoke of the seven generations and claimed he was honoring women.
"Next time you see one of the beautiful teepees that are set up, keep in mind, those belong to the women, the women put up those lodges."
"The women went out into the forest and cut down those pines and scraped the bark and branches off the trees."
"Without them, we would not exist."
"I would like to take the time to honor the daughters, the sisters, the mothers, the aunties, the grandmother, and great grandmothers," Crosswhite told the crowd.
"Next time you see one of the beautiful teepees that are set up, keep in mind, those belong to the women, the women put up those lodges."
"The women went out into the forest and cut down those pines and scraped the bark and branches off the trees."
"Without them, we would not exist."
"I would like to take the time to honor the daughters, the sisters, the mothers, the aunties, the grandmother, and great grandmothers," Crosswhite told the crowd.