PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Once again this year, there will not be a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore for the nation’s Independence Day holiday.

South Dakota US Representative Dusty Johnson says the President’s Administration turned down Governor Kristi Noem’s request this week.

Noem has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden and his policies, having filed lawsuits about this and other topics. So, does Johnson think the Administration’s denial of permission to have fireworks at Mount Rushmore is truly a fire safety issue…or is it democrat vs. republican politics?

The last time there was a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore was in 2020, when former President Donald Trump’s Administration gave approval for it. Trump and some family members attended the event, which drew criticism as having the potential to be a super spreader event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noem and Trump are known to be close political allies.

Prior to 2020, the last time a display was held at the national monument was in 2008.