“Politically motivated” criminal charges have been dropped against a South Dakota ranching family whose lives were turned upside-down after the Biden administration prosecuted them over a 25-acre land dispute last year, federal officials said.

Charges against Charles and Heather Maude, who own the 400-acre Maude Hog and Cattle, were dropped Tuesday night by President Donald Trump’s Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins held a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning with the Maudes, officially announcing the end of the ordeal. 

“Thanks to the leadership and the unequivocal and bold leadership of President Trump and his directive to put Americans first, we have the pleasure to announce that the criminal prosecution of the Maudes is now over,” Rollins said during the news conference. “They will not be driven from their home. They will not be jailed. They will not be fined. And their children will grow up with the mother and the father they love and who love them.”

Heather Maude speaks on behalf of her husband Charles and their children along with their attorney at a news conference in Washington, D.C. (Fox News)

After thanking a host of local officials, activists and local media organizations who told their story, Maude became emotional. 

Cattle graze at Maude Hog and Cattle in South Dakota. (Maude Hog and Cattle via Facebook)

“I want to thank my mom and dad, and thank Charlie’s parents, too, [and] our neighbors who stood up for us at the threat of retribution to their own operations that they still face until we get this completely resolved,” she said. “And we are so thankful for the efforts that are being rolled out today to help make progress in the right direction and everyone else to who wrote, contributed financially, and who prayed for us. May God bless you, and God bless America and God bless American agriculture.”

Rollins offered a message of support to all ranchers and farmers who faced government persecution under the last administration.

“For all American farmers, ranchers, and producers who are subject to the similar egregious lawfare from the Biden administration, we will work with our counterparts, including my great colleague Kristi Noem, and others across the Trump government, to address any other government overreach in situations like this. We must ensure that our farmers and ranchers have not and will not be targeted for living the American way of life.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke out about the case in a Monday news release. 

“The prior administration’s misguided agenda must be reversed in order to make America safe again,” she said. “This Department of Justice will spend our resources and efforts on prosecuting criminals, getting drugs off the streets, and identifying and dismantling the weaponization.” 

A Biden spokesperson did not return a request for comment.