Kristi Noem Faces Backlash Over Autobiography Revelations After Puppy-Killing Scandal as Trump Continues Support
Scott Olson/Getty Images
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has found herself at the center of a storm of criticism following the release of her autobiography, which unexpectedly detailed the grim killing of her childhood farm puppy. Despite this wave of near-universal disapproval, former President Donald Trump is reportedly still offering his support to the governor.
Governor Noem’s book, titled “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” was intended to shed light on her political philosophies and her vision for America’s future. However, it was the revelation about her early farm life, particularly the harsh realities of rural living exemplified by the incident with her puppy, that caught the public’s attention and sparked controversy.
“Trump says he loves Kristi Noem despite puppy killing controversy, per Mar-a-Lago audio obtained by Axios,” she reported Sunday. “In the audio, Trump at a private luncheon commented on each of the following lawmakers, giving some insight into his thinking,” according to her published report. The article reveals that Trump’s response to Noem was that the GOP governor is, “Somebody that I love. She’s been with me, a supporter of mine and I’ve been a supporter of hers for a long time.”
The piece also includes insights into Trump’s thoughts on other potential V.P. picks, such as Marco Rubio. “His name is coming up a lot for vice president!” Trump reportedly said of his former 2016 nemesis. Of Ohio senator J.D. Vance, Trump reportedly said, “He wasn’t a supporter of mine at the very beginning… He was saying things like ‘The guy’s a total disaster’… Anyway, I got to know him a little bit… As a non-politician, he’s become one of the great senators.”
“Somebody who’s created something very special politically…I like diversity. Diversité as you would say. I like diversity. [Donors] worth millions of dollars…all want a piece of Byron,” according to the report.
The backlash was swift, with many expressing shock and disapproval over the inclusion of such a distressing story in her memoir. This issue became a topic of intense discussion during Governor Noem’s appearance on a Sunday talk show hosted by CBS’s Margaret Brennan, where the two clashed over the public’s reaction to the book’s content. The controversy has cast a shadow over Noem’s image and raised questions about the potential impact on her political career.
Despite the controversy, Donald Trump appears to remain a steadfast supporter of Governor Noem. According to Sophia Cai, a national politics reporter for Axios who specializes in covering the 2024 elections, Trump has been assessing Noem alongside other candidates as a potential vice-presidential pick for his possible run. Trump’s ongoing praise of Noem highlights his tendency to stand by political allies even amidst controversy, a trait that has defined much of his political persona.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics within the Republican Party, as potential candidates jockey for positions ahead of the next presidential election. Governor Noem, known for her strong conservative stance and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been considered a rising star within the party. Her autobiography was likely intended to bolster her profile nationally; however, the fallout from its revelations poses a challenge to her image.
As Governor Noem navigates the repercussions of her book’s content, the political landscape continues to evolve. The support from Trump might provide some buffer against the criticism, but it also demonstrates the polarized reactions that can emerge from personal disclosures in political memoirs. This incident not only highlights the potential risks involved in sharing personal stories but also reflects the broader tensions and alliances that shape American political life.
Looking forward, how this controversy affects Noem’s political trajectory and her relationship with key figures like Trump could provide key insights into the strategies and values at play within the higher echelons of the Republican Party. The unfolding drama around Governor Noem’s book adds another layer to the complex and often unpredictable nature of political careers, where personal history and public perception can significantly intersect and influence a politician’s path.
