A longtime advisor to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) has drawn scrutiny and ethical concerns for serving as a registered lobbyist for Meta and other clients while simultaneously drawing a taxpayer-funded salary from his senate office.

Robert Skjonsberg, who has worked with Rounds for more than a decade, is listed in public records from the South Dakota Secretary of State as an active state lobbyist on behalf of various companies and interest groups, including the company Meta, tobacco supergiant Altria, The Freedom Foundation, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and multiple agricultural groups including the South Dakota Dairy Producers and South Dakota Pork Producers.

Skjonsberg managed Rounds' unlikely but ultimately successful 2014 underdog campaign for Senator of South Dakota. Afterwards, he went on to serve as the chief of staff for Senator Rounds from 2015 to 2022 before moving into his current role as senior advisor. Senate records show Rounds' office paid more than $153,000 to Skjonsberg over the most recent 12-month period. Skjonsberg is also a co-owner and founding member of 605 Strategies, a South Dakota government affairs firm established in 2012.

Skjonsberg began representing Meta's legislative interests last year. In the same period, Rounds has sponsored legislation focused on artificial intelligence and agricultural interest. One such proposed measure would create a commission to examine AI's effects on the workforce. Additionally, Rounds serves on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which oversees issues and legislation that would be relevant to the various agricultural groups Skjonsberg lobbies for.

Federal ethics rules on outside employment and lobbying apply differently depending on compensation thresholds and timing. Records indicate Skjonsberg did not reach the level triggering additional restrictions for calendar year 2025.

The arrangement has prompted criticism about conflicts of interest and furthered calls for greater transparency in political offices. Brian Bengs, Independent U.S. Senate candidate and Rounds' only opponent in the 2026 General Election, released a statement on X alleging that the situation was "corruption" and calling on the senator to publicly support a ban that would more clearly prohibit "Senate staff being lobbyists while employed by the government or political campaigns."

Bengs has repeatedly criticized his opponent on social media, calling him "Big Money Mike Rounds" and making a key campaign platform out of his belief that the two-term incumbent is too closely tied to "Big Money special interests."

As of this publication, neither Skjonsberg nor 605 Strategies have made a public statement. However, Skjonsberg replied directly to Bengs with a dismissive post on X that included an image.

A Rounds’ spokesperson has denied any conflicts of interest occurred and says the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics was previously consulted for guidance on the situation. Rounds' office maintains the arrangement with Skjonsberg complied with ethical guidance and that all Senate Ethics guidelines continue to be followed.