South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has come under scrutiny for actions described in her upcoming book, where she details the killing of a dog and a goat on her family farm. In an excerpt obtained by The Guardian, Noem explains that she made the decision to euthanize her dog, Cricket, due to concerns about its behavior. She described the dog as 'untrainable' and 'dangerous,' ultimately leading to the difficult choice to put the dog down.
Noem recounted her efforts to train the dog using an electronic collar, but after an incident where Cricket attacked chickens and bit her, she felt compelled to end the dog's life. Noem expressed her dislike for the dog, stating, 'I hated that dog,' in the book excerpt.
Additionally, Noem shared another incident where she shot a goat on the farm, citing the animal's aggressive behavior towards her children as the reason for its euthanization. She described the goat as 'nasty and mean,' highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in making tough decisions regarding livestock.
Seeking to differentiate herself from traditional politicians, Noem acknowledged the controversial nature of her actions, stating, 'I guess if I were a better politician I wouldn’t tell the story here.' She defended her actions by emphasizing that such decisions are not uncommon on a farm, where tough choices are a part of daily life.
Amid speculation about her potential role as a running mate for former President Donald Trump, Noem has garnered attention for her unwavering support for Trump, even in the face of legal challenges. She has positioned herself as a staunch ally of the former president, aligning with his policies and defending his actions.
Despite facing criticism for her actions on the farm, Noem remains a prominent figure in conservative circles, as evidenced by her strong showing in polls and support from attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference. As the debate over her vice presidential prospects continues, Noem's unapologetic stance on contentious issues sets her apart in the political landscape.
