South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing scrutiny for actions recounted in her upcoming book in which she killed a dog and a goat on her family farm. According to an excerpt obtained by The Guardian, Noem describes the dog, Cricket, as “untrainable” and “dangerous,” leading her to decide to shoot the dog after it attacked chickens and bit her. She also shares an account of shooting a goat that she found to be aggressive and a threat to her children.
In the book, Noem expresses her discomfort with having to kill the dog and goat, but asserts that such tough decisions are common on a farm. She emphasizes the necessity of making these difficult choices, even if they are unpleasant. Noem’s actions may be controversial, but she aims to portray herself as a politician who is not afraid to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular.
Despite the potential backlash from animal rights advocates, Noem stands by her actions, noting that similar decisions often have to be made on farms. She suggests that such experiences are a part of farm life, where tough choices have to be made for the well-being of the animals and the family. By preemptively addressing the controversy in her book, Noem attempts to present herself as a straightforward and authentic politician.
Noem’s support for former President Donald Trump further complicates the situation, as she is considered a potential vice-presidential candidate on his shortlist. Despite facing criticism for her actions with the dog and goat, Noem remains loyal to Trump, indicating that she would continue to support him even if he were convicted in a trial. Her alignment with Trump’s political stance may influence her chances of being chosen as his running mate in the future.
In a straw poll conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Noem tied for first place with Vivek Ramaswamy as the preferred choice for Trump’s running mate. Her popularity among conservative voters suggests that she has a strong base of support within the party. Additionally, Noem has been critical of other Republican candidates who have entered the 2024 primary against Trump, suggesting that they may have ulterior motives for seeking the spotlight.
As Noem’s political star continues to rise, her reputation as a no-nonsense politician willing to make tough decisions may both endear her to her supporters and alienate critics. Her actions with the dog and goat, as described in her book, highlight her willingness to take responsibility for controversial decisions, even if they are met with disapproval. Whether Noem ultimately becomes Trump’s running mate or pursues her own political ambitions, her blunt and straightforward approach is likely to be a defining feature of her political career.
