Joe Donnell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries from Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, and a Master's Degree in Theology from Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium. He has demonstrated leadership in the community by founding and directing Warriors Circle, a Christian nonprofit focused on developing leadership skills among Native Americans. Donnell has also engaged in public service, winning a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives and serving in the 2023 legislature as one of two Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal citizens.

Joe Donnell's political identity is marked by a distinctive fusion of deeply rooted religious convictions and a unique interpretation of national monuments. His legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Donnell's claims about Mount Rushmore being a site of supernatural significance introduce an intriguing tension between his public policy stances and his personal theological beliefs.