Kristi Noem’s new book “No Going Back” has generated a lot of buzz, with the conservative governor of South Dakota aiming to raise her profile as a MAGA loyalist while potential VP contender for former President Donald J. Trump. However, the attention has mostly been focused on a controversial account in the book where she shoots her dog, drawing bipartisan criticism and scrutiny. The book also includes other noteworthy details, such as Noem criticizing other Republicans for their electoral failures and targeting figures who have irked Trump.
In her memoir, Noem recounts various stories from her political career as South Dakota’s only House representative and then as governor, including her conversations with other prominent Republican figures. She criticizes Nikki Haley and Ronna McDaniel, blaming them for the poor performance of Republican candidates in the 2022 midterms, and calls out Republicans who follow the far-right ideology for contributing to election losses. Noem devotes a section to RINOs – Republicans in Name Only – a term popularized by Trump.
One of the most controversial aspects of Noem’s book is her account of shooting her dog Cricket, justified as a “difficult” decision. She has defended this action and even suggested in her book that President Biden’s dog should also be put down. Noem has received backlash for this statement, which she has reiterated in interviews. The book also contains a false anecdote about meeting Kim Jong-un, which Noem has taken responsibility for, stating that it should have been removed from the text.
Despite the controversies, Noem gives a glowing portrayal of Trump in her memoir, praising him as a “breaker and a builder” and defending him after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. She hints at her future aspirations, possibly as Trump’s running mate, but emphasizes that her selection should be based on merit, not her gender. The final chapter of the book focuses on what she would do on “Day 1” if elected as president, including selling federal property and inviting the Obamas and Bidens for a movie screening at the White House.
Overall, Kristi Noem’s book has sparked discussions about her political career, relationships with other Republicans, and controversial actions like shooting her dog. While she presents a positive image of Trump and hints at her own aspirations, the book has faced criticism for some of its content, including false anecdotes and questionable statements. Noem’s willingness to speak out on divisive issues and defend her decisions may impact her future political endeavors and potential role in the Republican party.
