South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced backlash on Friday for a story in her upcoming biography where she recounts killing a family dog on their farm, causing distress to her daughter. The grisly anecdote, which involves shooting the dog named Cricket, drew criticism from various political opponents, as reported by The Guardian.
Governor Noem, a Republican considered a potential running mate for former President Donald J. Trump, detailed the incident where she had to put down the dog and an unnamed goat due to their behavior. The book, set to be published on May 7, portrays her as someone willing to tackle tough and messy situations, whether on the farm or in politics.
The controversial story sparked outrage from critics, with some calling it disturbing and horrifying. President Biden’s re-election campaign and the Democratic National Committee also condemned the passages.
Governor Noem defended her actions, emphasizing the realities of farm life and tough decisions that need to be made. She took to social media to address the criticism and promote her upcoming book, which she claims will feature more politically incorrect stories.
Governor Noem, a prominent figure in the Republican Party and a potential vice-presidential pick, has been aligning herself closely with former President Trump. Her actions, including participating in ads and controversial statements on various issues, have kept her in the spotlight as a possible running mate for Trump’s future political endeavors.
Despite the backlash, Governor Noem continues to be a polarizing figure in politics, with her unwavering support for Trump and her stance on key issues like abortion and election certification.